Photo Attributions

General Project Information

Architectural Credit:

Architect: Mahlum Architects

Consulting Architect: Chris Downey, Architecture for the Blind

Consulting Architect: Jeffrey Mansfield, MASS Design Group

Location: Vancouver, Washington, United States
Project Substantial Completion Date: 9/1/2023
Program type(s): Lodging - Residence Hall/Dormitory, Mixed-Use, Office - Small (< 10,000 sf)
Total Site Area (gross sq. ft): 37,710
Total Building Area (gross sq. ft): 11,569
Project substantial completion date: 9/1/2023
Climate zone: 4C
Project site: Previously developed land
Project team: 
Universal Design & Consulting Architect: Architecture for the Blind
Consulting Architect: MASS Design Group
Engineer - Civil: KPFF Consulting Engineers
Engineer - MP, Acoustics: The Greenbusch Group
Engineer - Electrical: Reyes Engineering
Engineer - Structural: Lund Opsahl
Cost Estimator: RLB
Landscape Architect: Mayer/Reed
General Contractor: Pease and Sons

Project Overview:
With a mission to inspire, empower, and advocate for young adults who are blind or have low vision (BLV), the Life Skills Training Center at the Washington State School for the Blind goes beyond providing tools for independent living. The multi-sensory environment promotes systemic change through advocacy for and by the BLV community. The design process centered around alumni, requiring the development of new engagement techniques to embed their voices in the design. The result is a supportive environment that blends acoustic, lighting, material, and landscape strategies within a layout that fosters social health as a key component of well-being.

Submission portfolio​​​​​​​