Cape Cod Community Center Wins Design Award for Innovative Student Project
Why the Cape Cod Community Center Project Stands Out
In December 2025, a senior Interior Design student from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Caroline Raber, earned the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) New England Chapter’s “Best Interior Design Student Project” award. Her capstone, titled Cape Cod Village Redesign, reimagines the Orleans, Massachusetts community center as a sensory‑rich, inclusive hub for adults with special needs aged 21 and older. The project’s success demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform public spaces into places of connection, growth, and empowerment.
Key Design Principles Behind the Award‑Winning Project
Universal Design as the Foundation
Universal design is more than accessibility; it is about creating environments that work for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. Raber applied the seven principles of universal design—equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and appropriate size and space—to every element of the community center. The result is a layout that feels natural to navigate, offers clear signage, and eliminates barriers that might otherwise discourage participation.
Engaging All Five Senses
To foster a welcoming atmosphere, the redesign incorporates sensory cues that stimulate sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Calming coastal colors and organic textures echo the surrounding landscape, while strategically placed natural light reduces glare and enhances mood. Quiet zones provide a retreat from noise, and tactile materials—such as textured wall panels—offer a tactile experience that can be especially meaningful for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Flexible Spaces for Diverse Activities
Community centers must accommodate a range of programs—from social gatherings to skill‑building workshops. The Cape Cod Village design features modular furniture and movable partitions that allow spaces to shift from a large assembly area to smaller breakout rooms. This flexibility ensures that the center can host everything from group exercise classes to art therapy sessions without compromising accessibility or comfort.
Actionable Tips for Designers and Community Planners
Start with Inclusive Research
Before sketching a floor plan, conduct interviews with potential users, especially those with disabilities. Ask about daily challenges, preferred activities, and environmental preferences. Use this data to inform layout decisions, such as the placement of ramps, handrails, and quiet zones.
Incorporate Natural Elements Early
Natural light, plants, and materials that reflect the local environment can reduce stress and increase engagement. In the Cape Cod project, the designer used translucent panels that filter sunlight, creating a gentle glow that mimics the Atlantic breeze. When planning your own space, consider skylights, large windows, or green walls to bring the outdoors inside.
Plan for Future Adaptability
Community needs evolve. Design with adaptability in mind by using modular furniture, adjustable lighting, and flexible circulation paths. This approach not only extends the lifespan of the building but also reduces future renovation costs.
Prioritize Clear Signage and Wayfinding
Effective wayfinding reduces confusion and promotes independence. Use high‑contrast colors, large fonts, and tactile markers. In the Cape Cod redesign, a color‑coded system guides users from the entrance to quiet zones, activity rooms, and restrooms.
Leverage Technology Wisely
Smart lighting, automated doors, and audio‑visual aids can enhance accessibility. However, technology should complement, not replace, human interaction. For instance, a quiet zone might feature a low‑volume music system that users can control via a simple interface.
Case Study: From Concept to Award
Caroline Raber’s journey began with a simple question: How can a community center better serve adults with special needs? She mapped out user stories, identified pain points, and drafted multiple design iterations. Throughout the process, she collaborated closely with professors Seunghae Lee and Lynette Panarelli, who provided feedback on both aesthetic and functional aspects.
Key milestones included:
- Stakeholder interviews and needs assessment.
- Creation of a flexible floor plan with modular zones.
- Selection of materials that support sensory engagement.
- Prototype testing with a focus group of community members.
- Final presentation to the IFDA jury.
The award not only recognized Raber’s design but also highlighted the importance of inclusive, community‑centered architecture in today’s society.
What This Means for Your Own Projects
Whether you’re designing a new community center, renovating an existing space, or advising a client, the Cape Cod example offers concrete lessons:
- Start with user research to ground your design in real needs.
- Use universal design principles as a checklist throughout the process.
- Incorporate sensory elements to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Design flexible spaces that can adapt to changing program demands.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and experts to refine your vision.
By following these steps, you can create environments that not only meet regulatory standards but also foster community, inclusion, and well‑being.
Next Steps for Aspiring Designers
Ready to apply these principles to your own work? Consider the following actions:
- Apply for a design internship at Wentworth Institute of Technology to gain hands‑on experience with community projects.
- Schedule a campus tour to see how the university integrates design thinking into its facilities.
- Download our free design guide for detailed checklists on universal design and sensory integration.
- Share your thoughts in the comments below—how would you adapt a community center for inclusivity?
By engaging with these resources and applying the lessons from the Cape Cod project, you can contribute to the creation of spaces that serve all members of the community.
