Designing for Life on the Spectrum

Abstract

While autism exists on a spectrum, many individuals with autism have issues with sensory processing in one way or another. Often times these sensory issues make it difficult to navigate life. Architecture is typically designed by and for neurotypical people, and does not consider the needs of neurodivergent people. How would architecture that is sensitive to sensory issues look? What would it feel like to interact with a space that takes into consideration the difficulties people have with sensory processing? What would a space, designed through the lens of someone with autism, look like? The design answers these questions through designing a campus for adults with autism that provides various resources to better support and empower people with autism through architecture. Through designing for the senses in a way that accommodates a spectrum of people, design can provide effective residential, recreational, and educational resources. Through the use of hypo and hyper-sensitive sensory cues, along with site design, material selection and permeability, the project enables people with autism to explore adult life with confidence.