Neuro-Architecture in Service of the Autism Spectrum: Designing a School Complex Adapted to Autistic Children in Northern Cameroon


Authors : Nkono Ambassa Marie-Stéphane; Arthur Nlenghen; Bwemba Charles

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 10 - October


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yck2d8uc

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/y3cebkzu

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24OCT781

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This research explores the application of neuro-architecture in the design of a school complex adapted for autistic children in the northern region of Cameroon. The literature review highlights the specific characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the particular sensory needs of children with this condition in an educational setting. It analyzes how architecture, through the management of light, colors, materials, and spatial arrangement, can positively influence the well-being and learning of these children. By integrating the principles of neuro-architecture, the design of optimized school spaces can help reduce sensory overload and improve the social and educational inclusion of autistic children. This review also examines international case studies and potential adaptations to the geographic and cultural context of northern Cameroon, which is characterized by a lack of suitable educational infrastructure. The objective of this research is to propose architectural design solutions that meet the specific needs of autistic children while considering local constraints.

Keywords : Well-being, Autism Spectrum, Neuro- Architecture, Inclusion, Special School.

References :

  1. Aderinto, N., Olatunji, D., & Idowu, O. (2023). Autism in Africa: prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and the impact of social and cultural factors on families and caregivers: a review. Annals of Medicine & Surgery, 85(9), pp. 4410-4416.
  2. ArchDaily. (2023). Neuroarchitecture: How Your Brain Responds to Different Spaces. Disponible à : https://www.archdaily.com/982248/neuroarchitecture-how-your-brain-responds-to-different-spaces [Consulté le 1 octobre 2023].
  3. ArchDaily. (2023). School Campus DOS, Shibukawa Eder Architects. Disponible à : https://www.archdaily.com/1002304/school-campus-dos-shibukawa-eder-architects [Consulté le 1 octobre 2023].
  4. Asperger, H. (1944). Die Autistischen Psychopathen im Kindesalter. This article is published in the Archiv für Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten and is widely cited in autism literature
  5. Bellusso, P., Haegelé, M., Harnist, K., Kathrein, C., & Massias-Zeder, A. (2017). Autisme & sensorialité: Guide pédagogique et technique pour l’aménagement de l’espace. Centre National des Ressources Autisme.
  6. Beiger, F. & Jean, A. (2011). Autisme et zoothérapie. Paris: Dunod.
  7. Bondy, A., & Frost, L. (1994). The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This system for communication in non-verbal children with autism is widely used and documented in autism intervention literature.
  8. Eberhard, J.P. (2009). Brain Landscape: The Coexistence of Neuroscience and Architecture. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  9. Edelstein, E. A., & Macagno, E. (2012). Neuroscience and architecture: Seeking common ground. Intelligent Buildings International. This paper discusses the intersection between neuroscience and architecture and can be found in databases like Taylor & Francis.
  10. Frayssinet, M. (2012). Autisme et Schizophrénie. Thèse de doctorat, Université Européenne de Bretagne. Disponible à : http://www.theses.fr/2012REN20026 [Consulté le 28 décembre 2015].
  11. Gage, F. & Eberhard, J.P. (2008). The Human Brain is Shaped by its Environment: Translating Neuroscience into Architecture. Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. Disponible à : https://www.salk.edu/about/history/ [Consulté le 1 octobre 2023].
  12. Hochmann, J. (2009). Histoire de l’autisme. Paris: Odile Jacob.
  13. Kanner, L. (1943). Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact. This is a foundational paper where Leo Kanner first described autism as a distinct condition. It is available in journals and archives of psychiatric research.
  14. Larbán Vera, J. (2016). Vivre avec l’autisme, une expérience relationnelle. Paris: Dunod.
  15. Larousse. (2023). Autisme - Définition. Disponible à : https://www.larousse.fr [Consulté le 29 septembre 2023].
  16. Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. This study is a pivotal work in the development of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
  17. Machet, L. (2011). Analyse comparative du profil développemental de jeunes enfants dépistés « à risque autistique ». Thèse de doctorat, Université Joseph Fourier. Disponible à : http://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-00619166 [Consulté le 24 décembre 2015].
  18. Mostafa, M. (2008). Une architecture pour l'autisme : concepts d'intervention en matière de conception pour l'utilisateur autiste. ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 2(1), pp. 189-201.)
  19. Schopler, E., Reichler, R., & Lansing, M. (1971). TEACCH: The Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children. This program is a cornerstone in autism education and intervention, established at the University of North Carolina.
  20. Sussman, A., & Hollander, J. (2015). Cognitive Architecture: Designing for How We Respond to the Built Environment. Routledge. This book explores how architectural design impacts cognition and is available on various academic book platforms.
  21. Toker, F. (2003). Fallingwater Rising: Frank Lloyd Wright, E.J. Kaufmann, and America's Most Extraordinary House. New York: Knopf.
  22. WHO. (2023). Autism Spectrum Disorders. Disponible à : https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders [Consulté le 29 septembre 2023].

This research explores the application of neuro-architecture in the design of a school complex adapted for autistic children in the northern region of Cameroon. The literature review highlights the specific characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the particular sensory needs of children with this condition in an educational setting. It analyzes how architecture, through the management of light, colors, materials, and spatial arrangement, can positively influence the well-being and learning of these children. By integrating the principles of neuro-architecture, the design of optimized school spaces can help reduce sensory overload and improve the social and educational inclusion of autistic children. This review also examines international case studies and potential adaptations to the geographic and cultural context of northern Cameroon, which is characterized by a lack of suitable educational infrastructure. The objective of this research is to propose architectural design solutions that meet the specific needs of autistic children while considering local constraints.

Keywords : Well-being, Autism Spectrum, Neuro- Architecture, Inclusion, Special School.

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe