Interior architecture has the potential to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also support mental health and comfort. In the context of neurodiversity, and autism in particular, spaces can gain a therapeutic role by adapting to the needs of people with various sensory disorders. Projects that take such needs into account are still a niche, but their role is invaluable. A {tag:studenci} from the Department of Interior Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk asks the question: can an interior be designed to become a form of therapy, addressing the special sensory and emotional needs of neurodiverse people?
model of a training apartment
© Aleksandra Swiąder
"In my skin"-an architectural duo of neurodiversity.
The goal of the interior design student's project, prepared under the guidance of Dr. Anna Wejkowska-Lipska and Marta Kozakiewicz, was to create a place that not only responds to challenges, but also helps people with special needs to function on a daily basis without feeling isolated and different. Aleksandra Świąder was keen to design a space that becomes a materialization of therapy. This issue is becoming crucial for a growing number of architects and interior designers.
map
© Aleksandra Swiąder
design challenges
Autism is a spectrum of disorders that can present with varying degrees of severity and affect the functioning of those who suffer from it in different ways. The triad of autism includes social difficulties, communication problems and limited interests and repetitive behavior. Adults on the autism spectrum can face numerous challenges in social interactions and understanding the context of situations, which can cause difficulties in daily life. Diversity in this area requires a highly individualized approach in the design of a space intended to serve as a training apartment or place for daily functioning.
cross-section
© Aleksandra Swiąder
Typical symptoms include hypersensitivity to stimuli, including sound, light or smells, for neurotypical people not challenging. Today's designers/developers are faced with the task of creating a space that is at once functional, aesthetically pleasing and adaptable to very specificrequirements. In such a space, aspects related to sensory comfort cannot be ignored - it is necessary to regulate the intensity of stimuli, use natural materials and warm colors, and create places that allow for tranquility.
cross section
© Aleksandra Swiąder
therapeutic architecture - how to design for people on the autism spectrum?
An architectural space designed for people on the autism spectrum should respond to their individual needs, while eliminating feelings of otherness and providing a sense of security. The lack of adapted living spaces means that many adults with autism continue to live with their families. The challenge, then, is to create places that support their independence and develop the skills to function independently. Interior design plays a key role here - properly designed training apartments can help build autonomy and a sense of comfort in people on the spectrum.
entrance
© Aleksandra Swiąder
Simplicity and safety are important in training apartments. It is recommended to avoid sharp edges and use rounded forms to minimize the risk of injury. It is also important to adjust the lighting - its intensity should be easily adjustable to avoid overly bright, tiring light sources. Rooms should be diversified in terms of function to provide space for rest and tranquility, allowing for controlled management of stimuli, especially at times of over-stimulation.
corridor and staircase
© Aleksandra Swiąder
interior sensory and stimulus control
The senses of people on the autism spectrum are often hypersensitive and reactions to stimuli are heightened. It is therefore essential to create a space that offers controlled sensory stimulation. For autistics, an excess of stimuli can trigger negative emotional reactions or feelings of overwhelm. Therefore, interiors dedicated to people on the spectrum should be harmonious in terms of color scheme - cool colors with a touch of warm tones are preferred because they soothe the senses while stimulating them in a safe way. Patterns should be subtle, and textures - pleasant to the touch, without sharp contrasts that can act as an irritant.
Salon
© Aleksandra Swiąder
Light, as one of the most important stimuli, requires special attention. In such interiors, multiple light sources with adjustable intensity are beneficial. The ability to adjust the intensity of the lighting makes it possible to tailor the interior to the individual needs of each person, and reduces the risk of over-stimulation.
Predictability and structure of the space
People on the autism spectrum value predictability and structure, which lend stability to their daily functioning. Interiors designed to serve them should be clear, well-lit and orderly. This type of design aims to create a space that does not generate uncertainty or confusion. The rooms should be arranged so that the various functions are clearly separated and the space is intuitive and easy to navigate. This facilitates daily functioning and reduces the stress of having to understand and adjust to the environment.
dining room
© Aleksandra Swiąder
Creating structured spaces is paramount to a sense of security. This approach eliminates surprises, which can cause anxiety for people on the spectrum. In practice, this means that training apartments, designed for adults with autism, should be places with a clear layout of space, where every room has its function and place, and every detail - its justification.
Architecture as support for neurodiversity
Interior designs for neurodiverse people are a challenge for architects, requiring a combination of knowledge of neurodiversity with principles of aesthetics and functionality. Such architecture can support therapy and foster a sense of independence, which improves the quality of life for people on the spectrum. By taking individual preferences and needs into account, it is possible to create welcoming spaces that offer more than just physical comfort. These are spaces that can stimulate development, but also mitigate reactions to stimuli, adapting to the unique needs of their occupants and residents. Thoughtful design of such spaces is a step towards a more inclusive architecture that not only adapts to needs, but also fully understands their importance.
safe space
© Aleksandra Swiąder
