This thesis explores the concept of design guidelines as they relate to the context of small community-based residential facilities for disabled children. Each of the major issues which are relevant to these types of facilities were looked at in some detail. These issues were therapeutic environments in general, small residential facilities, community-based facilities, and disabled children, as well as the concept of design guidelines and what types of information they contain. Soae existing architectural examples of these types of facilities are briefly discussed.

Further exploration of the concept was gained through the use of a case study of an existing residential facility for emotionally disturbed children located in Roanoke, Virginia. Included is a discussion of the research methods used in the Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the existing facility.

The result of these two sets of explorations was the creation of design guidelines for small community-based residential facilities for disabled children.

Also included in this thesis is the resulting renovation of the interior spaces of the existing facility where the case study project was conducted. The renovation of the facility spaces was based upon the design guidelines as well as other site- and program- specific considerations.