Assignment 1C

Health concern: autism (researchtodate)

• Difficulties in sensory responsivity and motor movements
• Difficult in navigation due to cognitive and social challenges inherent within the Built Environment

Goal: To create a safe garden space for autistic students that allows for various degrees and types of stimulation that (1) facilitates their sensorial integration into the urban environment while offering (2) spaces for respite

“Spaces to go to, without being far away from everything else”

References:

Mostafa, M. (2015). Architecture for Autism: Built Environment Performance in Accordance to the Autism ASPECTSS™ Design Index. Design Principles & Practices: An International Journal: Annual Review, 8(1), 55–71. https://doi.org/10.18848/1833-1874/CGP/v08/38300

McAllister, K., McBeth, A., & Galway, N. (2022). Autism spectrum condition and the built environment. Cities & Health, 6(6), 1164–1178. https://doi.org/10.1080/23748834.2022.2139210

Toronyi, D. (2021). Hidden geographies: Design for neurodivergent ways of hearing and sensing. Cities & Health, 5(1–2), 133–137. https://doi.org/10.1080/23748834.2019.1627059

 

Design principles:

• Create varying degrees of stimulation
• Establish different sensorial zones
• Account for Site Observations
  • Windbreak and sound barrier >> hedge along the main streets

site observation

planting_goals

plan4_finaldesign

 

 

sensorialzonesHigh to Low stimulation zones

• High: Pavilion_Overlapping sensory zones, more exposed to the different environmental elements (sun, wind, noise etc.)
• Mid: Near Bioswale_Main pedestrian route, closer to main streets
• Low: Elevated Deck_clear delineation of sensory zones, some pedestrian traffic, more sheltered (more tree canopy, shade)

sensorialzone_visualplantingchoice_visual

• contrast and  harmony (colour theory)
• seasonal interest (bloom time and duration)
• varying size, texture, foliage and habits
  

sensorial zone_scent plantingchoice_scent

• intensity of fragrance
• duration, blooming season
• allergies

sensorialzone_soundplantingchoice_sound

 

• plant characteristics: rustling leaves, swaying branches, and other auditory features

sensorialzone_tactile plantingchoice_tactile

• varying texture: soft, fuzzy, rough, smooth, leathery
• leaf shape and size
• foliage density
• stem and bark texture