Kristen Huyett

Interior Design, 2018

Neurodiversity is the diversity of the human brain. It includes differences such as ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome, etc. There are millions of people in our communities who have divergent brains. What is available for these students in schools does not address all the students’ social, emotional and cognitive needs.

The design challenge for this project was to rehab an existing building in Franklinton, Ohio to address the needs of the local population. In Franklinton, “37% of households” are below poverty level. Neurodivergent students in this neighborhood face the challenges of poverty, and sometimes neglect and abuse on top of a diagnosis, exacerbating issues and symptoms.

SOAR, a center for neurodiversity, is a place that offers tailored educational opportunities and encourages community for neurodivergent students (K-12) in Franklinton. SOAR is a positive, optimistic space that teaches students from a strength-based perspective. Parents are assisted in caring for their child to help alleviate caregiver fatigue. Trainings are offered for families and the community-at-large to help everyone better understand neurodiversity.

Kristen Huyett graduates in May 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design. She is passionate about many aspects of design, but plans to pursue design strategy. Her goal is to use this skill set to solve problems from the root of the issue and craft messages that resonate with people to spur growth and change in the world.