concept

Ally is an inclusive pediatric asthma clinic administered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The clinic is located in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge, - in the former Union Federal and Savings Loan Association designed built by A. Hays Town in 1956. Ally is a clinic for all races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and religions offering a variety of outpatient services for children with asthma. The clinic’s focus on inclusivity aims to mitigate discrimination in healthcare, promote comfort and reduce anxiety in minority populations, and create opportunities for community outreach. Ally ensures their patients’ health through individualized asthma management plans including pharmacologic therapy, art therapy, and education for patients and families to take an active role in managing asthma at home.

The interior design features the clinic pod system, accessible waiting spaces, and indoor-outdoor recreation through an active waiting space and courtyard. Ally’s interior aims to provide a sense of transparency and belonging, as well as a physical space for open expression. The interior color palette is derived from the colors of rainbow- symbolizing diversity. The color concept is based on an analogous color scheme modified by adjusting the shades and tones to achieve a modern and inviting environment. The colors include coral, pale periwinkle, and deep sky blue, with magenta and light pink accents.

Citations

Campos, Marissa. “Queering Architecture: Appropriating Space and Process.” Electronic Thesis

or Dissertation. University of Cincinnati, 2014. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. 17 Apr 2020.

design

Ally’s design concept centers around its vast open atrium, featuring an active wait space and art therapy room. Ally’s first floor is designed based on a cross axis, with entrances and exam room pods located along each axis. The second floor plan is organized in a racetrack form around the atrium, providing visitors with access to all necessary areas. All finishes are inspired by the rainbow and diversity of Baton Rouge culture, while the furniture  is derived from the mid-century modern style of the building’s architecture.

research

art therapy

master-level clinicians guided by ethical standards and scope of practice

work with individuals with medical and mental health problems

engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways verbal communication cannot

alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication

gives voice to experience, and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation

benefits: cognitive & sensory motor function, self-esteem, self-awareness, emotional resilience, insight, social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress. advance societal & ecological change

Children with asthma experienced a decrease in their anxiety when involved in art therapy sessions.

An asthma attack can be highly traumatic for a child, and the fear associated with it can last for months afterward. However, art therapy can influence a child in a positive way, both during the therapy and for the months afterward.

Creating art allows an asthmatic child to realize that they have an identity outside of their illness.

minority populations

LGBT population is roughly five percent more likely to have asthma amongst other chronic illnesses (20.8% vs. 15.7%)

over half of LGBT population reports experiencing discrimination in healthcare

discrimination can lead the LGBT community to put off health issues, worsening acute and chronic conditions