Operational Definitions

perceived motivation, interests, leisure, relaxation, therapeutic and/or educational needs of the user.”

4.2. Sensory Room

A sensory room is a space designed to help an individual with sensory issues learn to regulate their brain’s negative reactions to external stimuli by developing coping skills for these experiences. In some cases, it may be a whole room, or it can simply be a space set aside in a corner of a larger room.

4.3. Conditioned Spaces

An enclosed space within a building where there is an intentional control of the thermal conditions within certain defined limits using natural, electrical, or mechanical means [3] which can be categorized into either active or passive.

4.4. Autism

“Autism is a severe disorder of communication, socialization and flexibility in thinking and behaviour, which involves a different way of processing information and of seeing the world.” (Jordan, R. 1999)

The essential characteristics of this intellectual disorder are the presence of an abnormal development in the following areas:

• Communication: Difficult or inexistent verbal communication.

Difficulties in non-verbal communication. • Socialization: Severe difficulties in interpersonal relationship. • Imagination: There is a lack of imagination characterized by uncommon and repetitive game play [4] .

5. NEED FOR RESEARCH

The possible need for research can be identified as follows: • Accommodating sensory needs in existing built structures. • The embracement of digital technology in the current design criteria. • Visualize truly universally accessible spaces: including the ones who have intellectual disability.