Exploring the spatial needs of autistic individuals in the built environment: towards a learning centre for Durban.
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Date
2020
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Abstract
This study looks at the neurological condition of autism which impairs an individual’s perception to
interact with people and the built environment. Recently autism has become a frequent subject of
study in various fields this includes architecture, and architecture for Autism. Through research it
has shown individuals with autism experience sensory and perceptual difficulties and therefore
require special spatial needs and consideration in order for them to be able to manage their condition
within the built environment. Most centres for autism deal only with the social, imaginative and
communicative difficulties experienced disregarding the specific spatial, sensory and perceptual
difficulties. The approach taken by this study includes concise literature review precedent studies,
case study and semi structured online interviews. The study has shown that autistic individuals
experience multiples sensory and perceptual difficulties both in learning and social spaces. The
theoretical framework explores the paradigm of phenomenology which responds to the sensory
stimulation and socio-spatial theory which addresses the importance of the public interface and its
role in public awareness towards the autistic community.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.