Inclusive design in partnership with Steelcase
Published On: December 23, 2023
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Client Name:Special Olympics Michigan
Project Contact:Lana Voelker
Project Manager:Claire Shoemaker
Designer:Claire Shoemaker
When Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) purchased the former South Christian High School building in 2019, their dream was to develop the largest Special Olympics training and sports center in the world. And that, they did.
The project would include two key phases. First, SOMI wanted to renovate the 127,000-square-foot facility and create a nonprofit hub.
In addition to SOMI’s headquarters, they allocated space for several local organizations, including Autism Support of Kent County and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.
Client Name:Special Olympics Michigan
Project Contact:Lana Voelker
Project Manager:Claire Shoemaker
Designer:Claire Shoemaker
Phase two would focus on transforming the 17-acre campus into a world-class sport complex for Special Olympics programming for Special Olympics athletes.
The floor plan was intentionally designed to provide ample space to accommodate large community events to take place, but also be flexible enough for small teams to gather and collaborate.
The goal for the space focused on human-centered and inclusive design principals to understand and accommodate the diverse needs each organization required.
Large, flexible collaboration rooms filled with flexible conference tables provide ample space for group discussions and brainstorms.
