These Architectural Playscapes Provide Therapy for Children with Autism

Subscriber Access

© Sean Ahlquist, University of Michigan

This article was originally published on Autodesk's Redshift publication as "Architecture for Autism Could Be a Breakthrough for Kids With ASD."

Good architects have always designed with tactile sensations in mind, from the rich wood grain on a bannister, to the thick, shaggy carpet at a daycare center. It’s an effective way to engage all the senses, connecting the eye, hand, and mind in ways that create richer environments.

But one architecture professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is working on a tactile architecture-for-autism environment that does much more than offer visitors a pleasing and diverse haptic experience: It’s a form of therapy for kids like 7-year-old daughter Ara, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Content Loader
About this author
Cite: Zach Mortice. "These Architectural Playscapes Provide Therapy for Children with Autism" 17 Dec 2016. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/801690/these-architectural-playscapes-are-designed-to-provide-therapy-for-children-with-autism> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.