Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

Jacoby Architects designed and programmed this new Salt Lake Center for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, a new facility providing education, therapy, and services for varying levels of sensory, behavioral, physical, and cognitive abilities. The 50,000 square foot, $14 million facility is home to a diverse list of functions containing: a full size gymnasium with indoor/outdoor performing arts capability; orientation & mobility area including climbing walls, ball pits, monkey bars, overhead balance swings, ballet bars, and balance beams; indoor clubhouses containing physical and occupational therapy training; multi-functional kitchen for vocational and life skills training, children’s dining area, and event concessions; early childhood classrooms customized for sensory disabilities; Snoezelen room (sensory/light room); enclosed courtyard with children’s playground and sensory/exploration gardens; video conferencing rooms; boardroom and advisory council area overlooking gymnasium from above with adjacent roof garden access; and of course, lots and lots of storage! Providing navigational points of reference and clear wayfinding, in and out of the building, became a necessary design concept when developing the form and selecting materials. An overall canvas of light-colored mass is highlighted with high contrast accents of bright red, illuminated features to create landmarks throughout. The building is a bright, fun, playful place for the full range of occupants including children, parents, faculty, staff, administration, researchers, and clinicians.