North Shore ConneXions is a non-profit, mainly government funded organization that advocates for better educational and social services for special needs children. For children, adults, and family with disabilities, NS ConneXions provides programs and services for an individual’s development. NS ConneXions also works in partnership with the local community to provide information and resources to citizens. The vision statement for NS Connexions is, “a community where all people with disabilities have equal opportunities to lead active, fulfilling lives and are recognized as contributing members of the community” (http://nsconnexions.org/about/mission-vision-philosophy). NS Connexions is attempting to promote acceptance and understanding in the community for each and every person.
Our main goal of the project is to create an affordable, more accessible staircase for the organization. In doing so we must provide a clear and concise design with a budget that needs to be approved by NS Connexions. After our design and budget has been approved, we must purchase the materials and construct the staircase on site; this may include pre-cutting parts of the staircase at UBC and then transporting them to North Van. The minimum dimensions for the staircase are a depth of 13” for each stair, and a width of 5’ across. Currently the dimensions are a depth of 11” and a width of 3’, as can be seen to the right.
The staircase must also be a low budget, so it will have to be made out of timber. The location for the staircase is already set, and be able to support a stairlift once it has been finished. As a group we are still able to decide on the appearance of the staircase, as well as how the railing will look. The last thing we are able to decide on is how to make good use of the storage space beneath the staircase.
To accomplish our goals we will have to create a feasible design for the organization, and then spend the time to implement it on site. As a group we will all take on different parts of the project including the design itself, the cost of the materials that will be needed, and pitching the final design to NS Connexions. There may have to be adjustments made to throughout the project if issues arise with the feasibility of the design or the design itself, and the whole ensuring that the client is satisfied.