​In the realm of engineering endeavors, few projects are as intricately challenging yet profoundly rewarding as designing spaces for individuals with unique needs. Such was the case with the Lori Center for Autism in Paducah, Kentucky, a project we undertook in collaboration with EasterSeals West Kentucky. Jeff Halverson Project Manager/Mechanical Engineer, a key figure in the design process, shed light on the distinctive hurdles faced by the team.

“The unique challenge with this project was that we were limited to the building footprint as this was a renovation, and we were designing to a budget that the owner could afford,” Halverson stated, emphasizing the constraints within which they operated. However, limitation often breeds innovation.

Harmonizing Sensory Comfort: Sound & Light  

In navigating these constraints, the team’s approach to acoustical design emerged as a focal point necessitating comprehensive design decisions. “While an architect might think about acoustics related to flooring, wall coverings, insulation, ceiling components, etc., engineers must consider noise radiated from fans in ductwork or transmitted by mechanical equipment,” Halverson explained.

​The integration of sound traps and offsets in ductwork design, alongside lined ductwork to absorb sound and vibration isolators for mechanical equipment, were great solutions for the center, which needed to act as a quiet and peaceful facility for its occupants.

However, our concerns weren’t just about mitigating auditory stimuli; lighting also played a pivotal role. “Lighting can have an impact on mood and behavior with anyone,” Halverson noted. “Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory disorders react even more to these components.” Our firm’s emphasis on lighting design extended to selecting fixtures and implementing specialty lighting tailored to the occupants’ needs.

By prioritizing sensory comfort and environmental harmony, such design decisions hold the potential to revolutionize the way we conceive and construct spaces, which are perfect for our era of inclusivity and accessibility. We realized, as we designed the Lori Center, that many of the decisions we were making could benefit all facilities, not just spaces like the Lori Center.

Halverson further elaborated on the considerations specific to individuals with ASD. “For most buildings, we consider the type and style of lighting on all projects. For sound, it’s project specific,” he said. These considerations extended to the placement of mechanical and electrical rooms ensuring minimal disruption to noise-sensitive areas, a testament to the foresight embedded within the design process.

The principles underpinning the Lori Center’s design transcend the center’s own needs offering invaluable insights applicable to any facility aimed at enhancing occupant well-being.

Meeting a Critical Community Need 

“The Lori Center comes from a need for more resources for individuals with ASD in our community,” stated Cassie Woolie, Director of Business Development and Marketing for EasterSeals West Kentucky.

She highlighted the pressing demand for services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, underscoring the center’s vital role in addressing this need. “The Lori Center is currently serving children ages 2 to 13,” Woolie continued, “and once we are at full capacity, we will be able to serve around 30 to 35 children.”

However, the demand far outweighs the current capacity, with a waitlist exceeding 100 children. “We are doing everything we can to get the children in as fast as possible,” Woolie emphasized, acknowledging the urgency faced by many families awaiting therapy. “BFW/Marcum helped to make this center and project a reality that was years in the making,” Woolie expressed gratefully, reflecting on the collaborative effort that brought the vision to fruition.

The impact of facilities like the Lori Center reverberates far beyond their physical confines, extending tendrils of support and empowerment throughout the community. By providing a nurturing environment tailored to the needs of individuals with ASD, these centers not only enhance their quality of life but also foster greater understanding and acceptance within society at large.

The Power of Partnerships 

Collaboration lies at the heart of transformative endeavors, and the partnership between BFW/Marcum and EasterSeals West Kentucky exemplifies this ethos. EasterSeals West Kentucky, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, brought invaluable insights and unwavering passion to the table.

“It was great working with EasterSeals West Kentucky; they were very knowledgeable of their vision and goals,” affirmed Halverson, acknowledging the profound impact of their collaboration. Their shared commitment to empowering individuals with ASD underscored the collaborative spirit that propelled the project forward and left an indelible mark on both the built environment and the lives it touches.

A Beacon of Innovation & Compassion

The Lori Center for Autism not only enriches lives but also fosters greater inclusion and understanding within our communities. As we look to the future, let the Lori Center serve as a reminder of the boundless potential inherent in creating spaces that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals. Together, through empathy, creativity, and collaboration, we can build a world that is truly inclusive and empowering for everyone.