“Autism is not a disability, it’s a different ability.” – Stuart Duncan

Autism is defined as autistic spectrum disorder which is a kind of disorder that creates challenges in the communication and behaviour of the person. It is observed through a variety of symptoms and ways. The level of severity can vary considerably in each person, depending upon their condition and complexity. 

There is a trouble experienced in understanding people and feelings. They have a hard time observing what people think and feel which causes a certain problem in their self-expression and self-creation. In these stages, there is an essential need for care and concern offered by both the family and special caregivers who know how to handle and empower these autistic people with love. To handle and provide for children affected there are various autistic-friendly spaces created around the world. Although there are at least 1 in 160 autistic children around the globe and hence creates a need to understand their needs and requirements. 

ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) is seen in more contrast in the younger generations, from their childhood experience various basic problems in their growth and their way of behaviour. Children with autism spectrum disorder are characterized by a combination of two unusual kinds of behaviours: deficits in communication and social skills, and restricted or repetitive behaviours. These symptoms may vary greatly in severity.

Thus making them in need of friendly and caring people around them at all times. The major spaces that they spend most of their time in are play and care spaces. Considering the wide spectrum of their capabilities and needs, there is a range of activities that need spaces that are specially customised to their needs. 

How can architecture aid in their wellbeing and what strategies can aid this design?

Creating a care centre and play space that has been designed particularly for the ASD as a major focus group. 

Brief: This challenge aimed to design an autistic care centre for children aged 6 years, where this place will play a part as a play and care centre for the kids. 

This space is expected to be designed with consideration of sensory architecture methods. Design for basic architectural requirements of an autistic child, which requires you to design a space where these children can play and be cared for. Spaces that are visually enticing and create a dialogue with the child who cannot verbally express. 

Some of the Best competition projects are as follows:

Winning Project: PIECE-FULL

By: Zeynep Karacam, Aybüke Saçlı & Abit Dedeyurt

Description: This project is designed as a play and care center for children with autism between the ages of 0-6. Since autism has a wide spectrum, flexible and sensory spaces have been created.

People’s Choice: Autistic childcare centre

By: Julia Pogoda

Description: The design is focused on providing sensory comfort for its users and on supporting the therapeutic process. The urban layout of the building is the result of an analysis of the needs of autistic children, such as the need for order and repetition, as well as the scattered building arrangement surrounding the plot.

Editor’s Choice: Seeds

By: Ana Soni

Description: The environment creates children’s reality, affects knowledge and encourages the development of skills. We imagine a world in which the diversity of each one becomes a guiding axis for the creation of spaces that promote adequate and complete formation for kids who attend this nursery.

Editor’s Choice: ASD-Center Connecticut

By: Jorge Garcia & Andres Felipe Pinzon Holguin

Description: The autistic center offers an inclusive, barrier-free, and pleasant atmosphere. Through the flexible and protected inside and outside rooms, up to 30 children aged six years old can be appropriately supported in their development and professionally accompanied.

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