Mansfield Autism Statewide Services (MASS), The Meeting Place

The Meeting Place is a special place for families who find immense value and support by connecting other families with similar experiences.
The MASS program is ‘technology-free’, encouraging young people to explore new activities and build healthy outdoor habits and social skills. Outdoor facilities are designed to facilitate connections with the environment and outdoor learning. Being fully open and constructed of raw materials, The Meeting Place reflects the learning model of connection with the outdoors. Since completion it has become a much loved place where parents can connect, relax and have dinner together. Siblings enjoy their own program and young people with autism can meet and support each other. Our design for the Meeting Place incorporates a ‘strong sense of place’ responding to the rural location with traditional forms like the wide sheltering veranda and big fireplace with corrugated iron chimney. The rustic ambiance of warmth and familiarity of the design is intended to create a sense of calm, reassurance and informality.