G.G. Brown 2166 is a newly renovated quiet space specifically designed to cater to CEE community members with neurodivergent conditions. With features like sound-masking areas, and dimmable lighting, the space provides a low-stimulation environment to enhance focus and well-being of all in the department.
G.G Brown has recently welcomed a new space — one designed to provide a quieter and more accessible environment for students, especially those with neurodivergent conditions.
The new quiet study space features various seating options, including small booths, hexagon-shaped individual workspaces, acoustic lounge chairs, and privacy pods, all of which are wheelchair accessible. In order to maintain the low levels of auditory and visual stimulation many CEE community members need, the room features sound-masking areas and furniture with sound-absorbing qualities to support quiet study. Control elements, such as dimmable LED light fixtures, and temperature monitors, help to create a comfortable atmosphere. The features of the space are intended to minimize distractions and promote focused individual and small-group work.
The goal in designing spaces like these, said CAEN Director of IT Facilities and Operations John Muckler, who consulted our department on this project, was to create an inclusive study area for people who require low-stimulation environments.
“The design considers various neurodiverse conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and generalized anxiety disorder,” said Muckler, who also led the renovation of a similar space in the Bob and Betty Beyster Building.
When consulting for this project, Muckler and department collaborators utilized research on neurodiverse conditions to create a furniture and space arrangement that allowed for considerations of physical and cognitive disabilities, aiming to limit distractions of all types and create a modern study area that supports students’ emotional and mental well-being while enhancing academic performance. Project leaders took into consideration a variety of furniture options that accounted for choice, posture and privacy. Texture, finishes, sound, layout and lighting color were carefully selected based on their potential for engaging the senses, and the modern space was kept airy and welcoming with the inclusion of biophilic design elements, such as greenery. The space is also complete with two auxiliary rooms available for students with disabilities or accommodations to take exams.
For those people who choose to utilize the space, the room will function primarily as a hot-desk space during business hours where CEE students, faculty and staff can reserve seats based on a priority list outlined here. After 5 PM, or on weekends, anyone can drop in to use the space as needed.
Upon the project’s completion, many students, such as graduate student Renata Starotska, plan to take the opportunity to explore the quiet study space and take advantage of its offered comforts.
“It seems really easy to reserve and use,” said Starotska. “I’m really glad the department is looking for innovative ways to make work and studying a little more comfortable for students.”
Among the project’s other leading contributors was CEE Department Administrator Pat Brainard, who spearheaded the project within the department and helped to get it off the ground.
“We’re very excited about this new space and the opportunity to make studying and working more accessible for our neurodiverse students, staff and faculty in the department,” said Brainard.
“I’m very proud of the leadership demonstrated by CEE faculty and staff, such as Branko Kerkez and Pat Brainard, and the dedication they and their collaborators have shown in making this Quiet Space a reality,” said CEE Department Chair and Professor Yafeng Yin. “At CEE, we’re operating with limited space, but I’m pleased to see how we have continued to create new shared community spaces through the innovation & collaboration of department faculty and staff.”
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