The designs grew out of conversations with the people who use the room, including The Grow Club and a homeschooling group. Their insights were gathered into an empathy map to work out how the space might be made more accessible, welcoming and comfortable for everyone. Despite a limited budget, this process made sure the funds were used to greatest effect. A guiding principle was avoiding the clutter that accumulates in community halls: no laminated rules, no signs that say no. Instead, the design lets the furniture and signage do the welcoming.
One intervention expanded a column into a bookshelf, in response to the need for quick, visible access to the room's small book collection. Alongside it, a designated area was created for the homeschooling group to store and quickly tidy away their equipment. Another was a wall display celebrating Company Drinks' identity, showcasing the drinks they have produced with and for the local community over the years and turning the wall into a small exhibition. A chalkboard was also installed, for advertising food cooked in the kitchen and for the homeschooling group and other community groups to write up and brainstorm ideas.
Together, these changes turned the Community Room into a more inclusive and functional space, one that supports a rang
Read more here.
Beautifully fabricated by DJ Simpson.