Background:
-3rd leading cause of death among teens and young adults
-30% of college students report feeling too depressed to function
-50 % of college students with depression admit to episodes of serious suicidal thoughts
-1.5 students out of 100 have attempted suicide

After discussions with the two interviewees from the University at Bualo’s School of Architecture and Planning, it was clear that the studio spaces needed to become more tranquil spaces to work while still maintaining productivity. Research found that a few simple changes could greatly reduce the stress in the workplace.

The project is based on the Strozzi building in Buffalo. Based on the research and further analysis of the outdated building, it was determined that an adaptive reuse of the structure was feasible, rather than a total demolition. Two vertically adjacent units can be combined into one. Additionally, a glass enclosed double height dayroom space can be carved out from the newly combined unit and a balcony constructed on the upper level. The patient rooms are resized and realigned to include two windows per room and a multi-purpose, open plan therapy space is provided on the newly created upper level, adjacent to the balcony.

LGBT older adults often fear moving into a residential facility or put off seeking long term care, but are more likely to depend nursing homes and or professional home care providers due to an absence biological informal caregivers. The proposed project details guidelines for the planning, design, and operation of a mainstream long term care facility in Buffalo, NY. The proposal will include special considerations for LGBT older adults.