In order to explore the Atelier brief which concerned “Challenging the Mythologies of Learning”, I drew upon my own personal experiences throughout my entire education. A document written by The A.D.H.D. Foundation enabled me to generate my main concept (Reframing Unconvention) and subsequently the sub-concepts that feed into Reframing Unconvention. Each sub-concept essentially takes a negative connotation of the disorder and reframes it in a positive light. For example, restless becomes energetic or an individual who is distracted should be seen as someone with high perception. To challenge traditional methods of education and support for this community, I intend to provide therapy in the form of sport and meditation and learning by means of art-based classes and creative talking therapies, be that individually or in groups. The materials and lighting conditions selected will also change the experience for the users, signalling transitions, comfort and discomfort.

My design is set within the south facing slope of George’s Green, Nottingham, and much like the A.D.H.D. disorder the building takes on the metaphor of becoming an underlying condition as it rests under the landscape. The form of the building was based on the simple geometry that exists within the square and the circle and a synthesis of Robert Tavernor’s definition of perfect numbers: 6, 10 and 16 in his book, Palladianism. This simplicity is then affected by the aforementioned concepts to create an architectural language and the spaces in-between. Within these spaces, my aim is to form a kind of retreat for the A.D.H.D. community, delivering education through means which I believe benefits those affected by the disorder and to provide accommodation villas which are arranged much like the scattered mind of the A.D.H.D. sufferer amongst the spinney at the peak of the site.