UNIQ: Transforming the Invisible to Seen

Chromosome deletion syndrome is a genetic disorder in which a portion of a chromosome is missing or “deleted”, leading to a variety of health issues depending on the location and size of the deletion. Within the list of health issues this syndrome causes, congenital anomalies, physical abnormalities, weak muscle tone, developmental delay, and intellectual disabilities result in neuromotor deficits, sensory dsyfunction, and cognitive behavioral issues. Many are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or remain on the spectrum in some capacity. These individuals remain dependent partially or completely on parents or a caretaker with limited access and knowledge of their needs and how to optimize their care. Within society, they are almost invisible, believed to be living fragmented lives. However, they are like everyone else in that they need proper care and support in order to thrive.

UNIQ provides exceptional care through a variety of therapies, including physical, occupational, sensory, speech/communicative, and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as enrichment and play and a parent networking space for caretakers to find support and foster a sense of community belonging. Taking architectural forms from the structure of a chromosome and the DNA within, this facility challenges the status quo by transforming the invisible to seen, voiceless to heard, dismissed to accepted, and forgotten to known through the process of inversion.