ArcVision 2013
ARCHITECTURE FOR AUTISM
The Advance Center for Special Needs is the first building designed using the Sensory Design Theory and its consequent Autism ASPECTSS Design Index.
The Advance Center for Autism Qattameya, Egypt Magda Mostafa, Special Needs Design Consultant at Progressive Architects, Cairo The Center for Disease Control in the US estimates that 1 in every 100 children lives within the spectrum of autism. A disorder which effects the ability to understand the sensory environment, individuals with autism can benefit greatly from appropriately designed architectural environments. The Sensory Design Theory and its first evidence-based design guidelines for autism were proposed by Magda Mostafa in
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2008 and have since been developed into the Autism ASPECTSS Design Index. This index proposes 7 criteria shown through research to be facilitative of positive behaviour in autism. These criteria are: acoustics, spatial sequencing, escape spaces, compartmentalization, transition spaces, sensory zoning and safety. All of these criteria are embraced in the design of the Advance Center for Autism in Qattameya, Egypt, the first
building worldwide to follow the Sensory Design Theory and be designed using the Autism ASPECTSS Index. The building includes a diagnostic centre, classrooms, therapy rooms, workshops, a sensory garden, sports facilities and an assisted living centre. It is designed to house 100 students and is expected to be completed in September, 2014.
ArcVision 2013
ARCHITECTURE FOR AUTISM The Sensory Garden at the heart of the project acts as a natural transition zone between different levels of sensory stimulation. Comprised of an edible garden of herbs and organic produce, cultivated by the students, the garden provides training opportunities in sustainable practices such as urban gardening,
ArcVision 2013
ARCHITECTURE FOR AUTISM
Elevation (above), section (right) and bird’s eye view (below) showing reinforced concrete screens used throughout the building. This use of concrete increases the thermal mass of the building while the cavity created between the main structure and the screens is used to integrate natural vegetation into all levels of the buillding. This connection with nature is not only beneficial to the children but allows for sustainable practices such as urban gardening and natural filtration of ventilating air. The screens also act as sun breakers, allowing natural light into classrooms while reducing the thermal load.
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ARCHITECTURE FOR AUTISM
Freestanding concrete walls throughout the Sensory Garden space provide surface for visual selfexpression through graffiti art. Such activities allow the students to engage their gross motor skills and provide an opportunity for unstructured self-expression.
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ARCHITECTURE FOR AUTISM
A large span concrete frame structure houses the indoor swimming pool allowing for essential physical activity and aqua- therapy (above). This facility also provides a space for community integration through tournaments and joint activities with surrounding schools and community centers. This is an important intermediate step for social integration and inclusion of users with autism in the community. These facilities can be accessed directly from the main street, to allow independant functioning of the sports facilities (below)
ArcVision 2013
NATURAL ARCHITECTURE
Private Residence North Coast, Egypt This project, a retrofit of an existing prototype in a gated compound, aimed at integrating natural elements. This was achieved through both the implementation of passive environmental control systems and use of natural materials.
With the main facade oriented due north, the building is positioned optimally to allow north-south flow of air through its main spaces. Where this cross-ventilation is not facilitated with windows, wind-catchers were used- both in the north orientation to
allow sea breeze in, as well as in south orientations to create negative pressure zones and allow wind flow out of the spaces. Encouraging a natural flow of air throughout the house, this design creates a home that breathes.
ArcVision 2013
NATURAL ARCHITECTURE
Natural materials are used throughout the furniture, fittings and interior details of the home. These include indigenous Egyptian woods; natural locally-woven and traditionally printed fabrics; as well as recycled paper lighting fixtures. The use of such
locally sourced natural materials decreases the embodied energy and carbon footprint of the project, while encouraging local crafts and vocational communities. Textiles used throughout the home are sourced from Egyptian women’s
organizations working to revive traditional crafts and encourage artisans, providing income for this under-serviced sector of society.
ArcVision 2013
NATURAL ARCHITECTURE
ArcVision 2013
NATURAL ARCHITECTURE
ArcVision 2013
NATURAL ARCHITECTURE