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An Architecture For Autism by Magda Mostafa PDF
An Architecture For Autism by Magda Mostafa PDF
Magda Mostafa
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
The person-environment relationship has long
been an integral part of architectural research.
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An Architecture for Autism: Concepts of Design Intervention for the Autistic User
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An Architecture for Autism: Concepts of Design Intervention for the Autistic User
Methodology
Study Design- Phase 1
To reach this goal of developing a framework
for architectural guidelines for autism, a two
phase study was carried out. The first phase of
this was a cross-sectional descriptive study of
the primary caregivers and teachers of autistic
children. The objective of this first phase was to
rank the impact of specific architectural factors
or spatial characteristics - acoustics, visual
(colors and patterns), visual (lighting), texture,
olfactory and spatial sequencing of functions.
The results from this ranking would indicate
the most influential architectural factors on
autistic behavior, which would become the
intervention variables to be studied in Phase 2.
Study Tools- Phase 1
The primary tool used for this phase of the
study was an online questionnaire posted
on the Families for Early Autism Treatment,
FEAT, a website dedicated to families and
educators of children with autism. This same
questionnaire was also distributed to the
caregivers and teachers of the Advance
Society for Developing Skills of Special Needs
Children, Cairo1. Participants were asked to
rank 5 architectural factors - acoustics, visual
(colors & patterns), visual (lighting), texture,
olfactory and spatial sequencing of functions,
from the most influential to the least.
Study Sample- Phase 1
A purposeful sample of a total of 83 individuals,
with a distribution of 25 teachers and 58 primary
caregivers, responded to this questionnaire.
Their
participation
was
voluntary.
The
respondents were both local (Egyptian) and
western (Americans). All participants were
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Figure 1: Plan of compartmentalized study classroom showing simultaneous use of various stations. (Source: Author).
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Figure 2: Behavioral map of study classroom showing annotated diagramming and time chart. (Source: Author)
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An Architecture for Autism: Concepts of Design Intervention for the Autistic User
Ethical Considerations
Given the sensitive nature of this study, and
the confidentiality issues involved, particularly
with respect to the young age of the children
and the adopted tools of video, consent from
the primary caregivers of the children was
essential. A written consent form, outlining the
goal, structure and projected outcomes of the
study, was distributed to all the parents and
legal guardians of the children participating in
the study, requesting their permission for three
aspects. The first aspect was the inclusion of the
child in the study, the second was access to the
childs clinical and academic file, and the third
was permission to record the childs progress
throughout the study. Separate consent was
requested for videotaping and photography.
The wishes of all parents regarding the degree
and type of involvement of their children were
unequivocally respected.
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An Architecture for Autism: Concepts of Design Intervention for the Autistic User
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgement should go to Dr. Zakia Shafie and
Dr. Hammam Serag El Din, both of Cairo Universitys
Department of Architectural Engineering, for their
supervision of the original thesis upon which this paper
is based. Mrs. Maha El Helali and all of the ADVANCE
school administration and staff provided the generous
cooperation required to make testing of this study in
an autistic environment possible. This study would not
have been possible without the consent and support
of all the parents of the children involved in the study.
This work was primarily developed to help people with
autism. The children of this study have been patient,
cooperative and at many times an inspiration.
References
Al-Thani, H. (2004). Updating the Standard Rules,
International Federation of Hard of Hearing People,
7th World Congress, Helsinki, Finland.
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Magda Mostafa
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Sensory Issues
Balance
Quality
Visual
c
Tactile
Proprioceptive
c
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P
Q
Olfactory
N
Dynamic
ARCHITECTURAL ATTRIBUTE
Structure
Auditory
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Sensory Issues
a. Hyper
b. Hypo
Architectural Attributes
A. Closure
B. Proportion
C. Scale
D. Orientation
E. Focus
F. Symmetry
G. Rhythm
H. Harmony
I. Balance
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c. Interference
J. Color
K. Lighting
L. Acoustics
M. Texture
N. Ventilation
O. Sequence
P. Proximity
Q. Routine
An Architecture for Autism: Concepts of Design Intervention for the Autistic User
MAGDA MOSTAFA
Design Guideline
1.
1) to reduce external visual and acoustical distraction for the hyperauditory and hyper-visual
2) to provide tactile stimulation via tight spaces and containment for
the hypo-tactile
3) to create visual focus in cases of visual interference
4) to reduce olfactory intrusion via ventilation for the hyper-olfactory
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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8.
1) to increase attention span and reduce distractibility for the hyperauditory and visual
2) to create a behavioural and geometric point of reference for the
hypo and interference proprioceptive
9.
Symmetrical organization
10.
Asymmetrical organization
11.
12.
13.
Visually unharmonious
space using accents and
contrasts
14.
15.
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17.
18.
19.
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21.
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22.
23.
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Cross-ventilation
25.
Enclosed ventilation
26.
Organized
compartmentalization using
visual cues
27.
Spatial organization
according to sensory
characteristics
28.
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