PROJECT INCLUSION: PUBLIC SPACE
12.2021
A lactation room designed for mothers to have a private space to express milk while being at a place of work to accommodate their needs. The room strives to be as universally accessible as possible, following the City of Mississauga Faculty Design Standards and Ontario Building Code barrier free design.
Software: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Enscape, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
PRECEDENTS
2010 Affordable care act (ACA) states that companies with 50 or more employees are required to provide a “place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.” Far too often, the spaces where women are advised to pump are leftover spaces like small storage closets and had a lack of privacy, an uncomfortable place to sit, and no easy place to clean up. American institutes of Architect's best practice lactation room guidelines require one room per 100 female employees and 50sqft (15m2) can meet accessibility guidelines if it accommodates a 5-foot turning radius. The space should be private, with a locking door and covered windows. Amenities should include tabletop, chair, sink, refrigerator, mirror, adjustable lighting, work tables, and industrial-grade breast pumps. The tabletop needs to be at least 24 inches deep to accommodate bottles, pumping equipment, and laptops. A white noise machine comes in handy, as pumps can be noisy, along with electrical outlets for the pump and laptop, a microwave for sterilizing pump equipment, a deep sink for washing bottles and pump parts, and a refrigerator for milk storage. Under counter fridges can help to conserve floor space but must be situated as to not encroach on knee space beneath work areas. Lockers/hooks for their belongings and cleaning supplies like paper towels and wipes to clean the space while pumping are appreciated. A contrasting sign indicating the room or sound signal to indicate the use is beneficial for visually impaired or hearing impaired people. A lactation room requires a cozy, relaxing environment to provide a sense of ease towards mothers using the room. If a room provides relaxation and comfort, it leads to longer-term peace of mind for a new mom. A well-designed lactation room fosters inclusivity and provides a safe and respected space.
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES
This place focuses on expanding the range of people who can use the space. There is a wheelchair space with a shortened counter to accommodate anyone who experiences physical limitations. This space can also double as a resting/extra space for service dogs to rest or stand by if their owner needs to breastfeed. The sink and fridge are found near the wheelchair space for easy accessibility as well as a fridge near the armchair to immediately store the milk. There is an additional table and plants to provide comfort and space to place belongings on. The lamps are task lights that are placed where it is typically needed. The coat hook and automatic door button are located near the door to make it accessible to leave or hang up coats. There is a 2440 diameter that follows OBC about what clearances are needed for wheelchairs to use the space comfortably. The counters adhere to the Mississauga Facility Accessibility Design Standards section 4.2.1 and 4.3.7 for clearance of facilities and counters, section 4.2.4 for lavatory clearances, and section 4.2.7 for wheelchair clearances. This room also follows OBC section 3.8 regarding barrier-free design. The circulation and layout were designed with CNIB Clearing Our Path guidelines for the visually impaired in mind.
A well-lit space with task lighting is important for people with visual impairment. To provide this, the lighting mainly consists of 6” recessed lights, making the area evenly well lit. There are two lamps found on the ground level to light any areas where tasks are done. With task lighting, there is no lack of light in this private area.
SECTIONS
SECTION AA:
This section shows the accessible height and clearance of the sink of the main counter used by mobility device users. One of the two fridges provided is close to the table for mobility device users for quick access. The microwave is right beside the sink for easy access when cleaning or heating equipment. There is a mirror for women to touch up after breastfeeding as well as artwork throughout the space to create a refreshing atmosphere. There are no textiles on the ground to prevent people who are visually impaired from tripping or blockage for people with low mobility.
SECTION BB:
This section shows the heights of the other counter as well as a view of the heights in the fridge and cabinets. There needs to be generous storage space to store equipment and milk, making more an organized space that has everything in its designated space. The lamp will arch high above the chair to spotlight the task at hand. There will be plants to complement the aesthetic qualities of various artworks in the room. The various art found throughout the walls to create a colourful room strive to achieve a bright and pleasing to the eye atmosphere.
RENDERS
This is the main chair for breastfeeding and expressing milk. There are contrasting tones of the chair with the cabinets and the countertops. There is signage on the table with braille incorporated on the sign to spell out hygiene rules in this space. A fridge and counter space is easily accessible when needed with a trashcan nearby.
This is the main sink and counter showing the wheelchair-accessible space with the cabinets, fridge, and microwave. There is a counter for mobility device users and can also be extra counter space when cleaning up after. There will be equipment like towels, breast pumps, and a white noise sound machine. There is also signage on the right counter with the same hygiene rules like the one on the table.
With art found throughout the room and a light, pastel colour palette, the space is relaxing as possible. There are contrasting handles to provide a visual aid to anyone who is visually impaired and tactile walking surface indicators to indicate where the sink is located.
The door has an automatic door opening as well as a contrasting handle on the door. There is a coat hook for users to place belongings/clothing if needed. There is a lock that shows if the room is in use or not as well as emits a sound to indicate the availability as well. All the equipment needed is easily insight and straightforward to follow.