The Louisiana Special Education Center (LSEC) is a tight-knit campus that provides educational care for developmentally disabled children and young adults ranging from 3 to 25 years old. The two new dormitories, each 23,300 s.f. and housing 38 student/residents, replaced outdated midcentury buildings that were located at remote ends of the campus.

The two new buildings are conceived as an ensemble, with a shared courtyard centered on an existing large oak tree. The close proximity between the public spaces of the buildings provides staffing flexibility and supports larger group activities. As a whole, it’s an inclusive living environment for each student/resident while providing the staff with buildings that are arranged to operate at a much higher level of function.

Residential units consist of semi-private suites with restrooms and bathing facilities shared between two suites. The group activity rooms feature high ceilings and clerestories to maximize natural light. With most of the student/resident utilizing large, powered wheelchairs, door openings and passages are a little more generous and interior wall surfaces are durable to minimize damage.