Spaces & Flows: Ninth International Conference on Urban and ExtraUrban Studies

Abstract

In the next decades, it is expected that there will be a significant number of adults with autism who will continue to strive in the neurotypical environment. Therefore, more than anything else, parents are most concerned about what will happen to their child when they are no longer alive. Hence, this research introduces a conceptual framework of an “autism village” which hopes to prevent the population group from being socially isolated. This paper intervenes in the existing design guidelines through recommendations on how spaces can be articulated by considering “the ASD individuals as Savants” and “the value of productive vocational skills.” This is followed by a vision of housing typologies that incorporates the proposed spatial interventions. This optimistic approach hopes to enlighten built environment practitioners in designing spaces where different populations can co-exist, particularly those with varied abilities. In addition, more than their distinct way of experiencing spaces, they give meaning to their environment. Spaces and objects reinforce their sense of identity and reflect their deepest inner feelings (Stijn and Heylighen, 2015). To conclude, the environmental needs of ASDs (e.g. clear spatial zoning and quality green spaces) together with the proposed spatial interventions, benefit the well-being of all individuals. Therefore, designing neurodivergent neighbourhoods can be employed as a strategy to improve and enhance the liveability of urban regions.