The RUG room
The RUGROOM is an inclusive social learning space, and safe haven for learners at City College Norwich with ASD. Named by learners, it is a purpose-made space designed in close consultation with our learners.
The RUGROOM is the base for the Regional Centre for Learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in City College Norwich. It is a unique space which is the result of a collaborative development partnership between the learners with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and the designers Team a go-go. A student conference (organised and presented by the learners) began the process of working with the designersto develop the designs for the RUGROOM. A smaller group of learners continued this work until a final design was agreed.
The RUGROOM is an innovative design which meets the needs of the individuals with AS and has had a direct impact on the way learners work and how learners and staff interact.Situated in the main building, it is an inclusive environment allowing students to accessfurther education.People with AS can have unique skills and abilities but can find social interaction, communication and change difficult, the RUGROOM offers a safe haven for students throughout the day, and is designed to offer:
Different social spaces in the form of two different pods and social seating
A den which is used for lunchtime clubs,meetings,lessons and gaming
A kitchen where there are places to make drinks andeat
Individual IT workstations for students to work at
Importantly there are spaces which also allow students to withdraw and seek silence when needed
A group of specialist support and lecturing staff who are based in the RUGROOM who are availiable at anytime.
The Centre was created, with funding from the Eastern Region Learning and Skills Council, to improvethe choices and access into local colleges for people with Asperger Syndrome.
Below is a video tour by a student:
