VISIONS Services for the Blind

New Hempstead, NY

The easy to navigate plan of the 18,000-square-foot new building reflects the two parts of the program, with the training and residential facilities in separate one and two-story wings. Where the two wings intersect is the main gathering space – a double height dining room. The training wing includes a computer center, classrooms, a gym, a therapy room, and a training kitchen, as well as a commercial kitchen and offices. The residential wing contains bedrooms and a suite for 30 residents and two staff bedrooms, as well as two lounges.

The center provides a safe and secure environment for the blind, while still providing a training site. There was a clear goal to not make the building “over-adapted”.

Photography by Elliott Kaufman