The future model of education evokes, at any moment in time, the feelings of calm, warm, energetic, diverse and fresh. To associate emotions as a building block of education is a departure from the norm, but essential to forming a model of education that is resonant with the needs of tomorrow’s students.

We learned that is that there is no one perfect education model out there. The ideal future model will learn from the advantages and disadvantages of each existing model and use these as a starting point to leap even further.

Project Sheet

The perfect color is the strongest tool for a homeowner undertaking a redecorating project, yet the hardest to find. The right color not only changes a room, but the connection to a space. The celebration of a new baby, the purchase of a new home, the start of a new life; color becomes a physical manifestation of emotions associated with events and experiences that define us. How then, can a homeowner find a color that resonates?

We accompanied homeowners as they embarked on their own color selection journeys to understand the emotional and practical touch points along the way. Our key finding was that this journey is far from linear, and consumers are often “stuck” before ever approaching the paint aisle. The key to becoming unstuck was to engage in conversation—with friends, family, and trusted advisors—to work out the kinks and overcome obstacles. The client could initiate and engage in this conversation and become a trusted partner in color selection.

fathom uncovered the themes of Journey, Integration, and Identity for the clinic experience. These enabled a deeper understanding of the goals of the governing health agency, physicians, staff, and patients in order to create a hospitable Disease Prevention and Screening Center (DPSC) that would serve as a welcoming point of entry for the Emirate’s vast expatriate population.

In collaboration with Astorino architects and designers, this information has been creatively translated into design
solutions to enhance the clinic processes, patient flow, and the overall user experience resulting in a healthy, secure ambulatory care facility.

Project Sheet

Innovation, creativity, and productivity are at the heart of any successful corporation. An atmosphere of freedom, of experimentation, and the permission to both fail and succeed are ingredients needed to develop not only a product that resonates with consumers, but creates employees that are fulfilled and challenged.

fathom set out with the goal of understanding how the physical space could support innovation and creativity in the workplace, and left understanding that cultural space was as important, if not paramount. The experience in the workplace should be a balance between optimal utilization of the physical design and a corporate culture that promotes collaboration and the open sharing of ideas.

Project Sheet

fathom looked deeply into the student experience to understand what it truly means to attend a Catholic high school. Through one-on-one interviews and ethnographic observation, it became clear that a unique emotional journey exists, nurturing students in both mind and spirit. The physical environment must support and guide the student, allow for community building and a sense of connection, and the feeling of renewal and respect each time they walk a hall or enter the classroom.

Our insights into the emotional and physical needs of the student and Diocesan leadership enabled the architectural team to design a school that will serve as a model of Catholic education for the entire country.

Project Sheet

The Children’s Institute is a beacon of light in a time of darkness—a source of warmth and of hope for children and families from around the world. fathom worked with The Children’s Institute to capture this light and reflect it throughout the interior of the facility in a way that truly resonates with the unparalleled passion found within.

fathom provided detailed recommendations toward implementing a wayfinding system that is useful and usable for all users;  recognizing all levels of donors in ways that are resonant with the goals and values of The Children’s Institute; and using The Children’s Institute’s existing art and artifact collections to articulate and enhance the aesthetics and identity of the facility.

Currently, fathom is involved in overseeing the implementation of the donor recognition system, which includes room plaques and a donor exhibit display. Our team has also consulted on wall color and placement throughout the facility.

Project Sheet (PDF)

fathom set out to perform an in-depth study of the VA’s user groups—patients, families, staff, community members, and government officials—in order to gain a true understanding of the specific needs of all veterans. As a secondary goal, fathom was charged with also enhancing the daily operational efficiency of the facility.

Our key findings and actionable insights included an infusion of physical and emotional balance into the typically grim environments of recovery centers, the centrality of support services and other resources, and the sense of control those in recovery should feel over their environments and their treatment.

This new concept for a domiciliary recovery facility will serve as a flagship facility for the program and may be duplicated around the country.

Project Sheet (PDF)

Childhood is a time of transformation, of energy, and of color. And for a sick child, those things are even more important. fathom’s team of research professionals are moms, dad, grandparents, sisters and brothers. We work together to make healthcare facilities that make kids better, inside and out.

As the hospital’s architectural team embarked on creating a new world-class pediatric hospital, leadership recognized the clear connection between designing a healing environment and improving healthcare quality for patients, staff, and families. fathom uncovered a new perspective on how a children’s hospital should look and, more importantly, feel to its most important users.

Project Sheet (PDF)

The adrenaline that surges through screaming fans cheering on a promising team as it takes to the ice, all in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The sound of metal carving ice, the cool wind on a fan’s face, and the determination, strength, and speed of a sport with humble roots and a strong work ethic. The Penguins understand the power of a shared experience and the feeling of being surrounded by a family of 18,000.

fathom dug deep into the arena experience to explore what a hockey game truly means to its fans. Our key findings surrounded the importance of users connecting with the broader Pittsburgh community, the purity of the play across hockey’s long history, and the energy of the game-night experience.

The Penguins have kept fathom engaged as consultants as the design and construction of this arena continues.

Project Sheet (PDF)