Ambrose Place
Project by Ron Wickman Architect
Project by Ron Wickman Architect
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ACCESSIBLE ARCHITECTURE: BEYOND THE RAMP – OCTOBER 2016<br />
Accessible features at <strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Place</strong> exceed the Barrier Free Design Requirements located in the<br />
Alberta Building Code include, simply put, wheelchair accessibility is addressed outside and inside<br />
all four levels of the building.. The Alberta Building Code requires five adaptable suites. The<br />
provision of these dwelling units needs further classification since it is difficult to anticipate individual<br />
needs. Ten suites house adaptable kitchens. Color and texture contrast is used to help all users in<br />
their wayfinding<br />
Persons who are blind or deaf require a common electric circuit interconnecting all rooms and with<br />
the potential for connection to the fire alarm, intrusion alarm, intercom and phone system. To<br />
ensure that <strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Place</strong> met these requirements, the design team met with potential residents<br />
to ensure that the design met his needs.<br />
<strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Place</strong> has changed people’s lives. The four images above feature <strong>Ambrose</strong>, after whom<br />
the building has been named. He died on the streets living as a homeless person. Piano man Ryan<br />
was a YouTube sensation playing a piano in an outdoor public space in Edmonton. In the past, he<br />
had difficulty remaining in housing due to his addiction and mental health concerns. <strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Place</strong><br />
has become home for him. Ronalda and Brad live as a couple at <strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Place</strong>. Ronalda has a<br />
chronic respiratory system; Brad has been diagnosed with a terminal disease and has use of only<br />
one leg. Homeless for a long time, they stayed in shelters, hotels, and with friends until 2014 when<br />
they moved to <strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Place</strong>. Brad had his first Art Show in February 2016. Valerie was diagnosed<br />
and given a life expectancy of two months, after being homeless for the last 20 years with couch<br />
surfing and shelters. At <strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Place</strong> since 2014, she is thriving. <strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Place</strong> has special<br />
meaning to myself, as my father came to Edmonton from Thunder Bay as a young man, and lived<br />
homeless for a short period of time. Finding a safe home meant everything to him.<br />
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