The Unfolding Rainbow
PROJECT BACKGROUND
People with autism or other chronic diseases generally are prone to sensory physical and disorders. They are particularly sensitive or insensitive to light, colour, sound, touch, etc. and hence, their daily lives are greatly affected. Realising that good designs help improve lives, Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) students join hands with special needs members and occupational therapists from St. James' Settlement to co-design and co-create several innovative and appealing furniture and healthcare equipment to bring positive life changes. Unleashing the potential of the special needs through this project, their confidence can be enhanced. It also helps promote greater disability awareness and acceptance, and ultimately, social inclusion.
PROJECT CONCEPT
Many people could not imagine the challenges living with special needs. Though they could always find ways to get out of the haze, stereotypes, prejudices and discriminations against them might be the possible causes for their low self-esteem and despair. Through the creation of this experimental book, participants’ feelings and their own unique stories are articulated in an artistic approach. When the book is unfolded, it turns into rainbow-shaped which represents love and peace. The book contains several expandable pockets; each pocket is filled with their artworks while the inner pages can be taken out and opened one by one as if opening the hearts of the special needs creators and getting into their inner world to feel what they feel.