Articles

A Purpose-Driven Life: Designing Special Buildings for Special People

There is a huge need to provide successfully designed environments for individuals with autism as well as the staff that support them. This opportunity is embraced by Purple Cherry Architects in Annapolis, Md., through their concept of Purpose-Driven Architecture. As firm principal, Cathy Cherry speaks about the design of these buildings and addresses several key issues – personal space requirements, distraction inhibitors, acoustical applications, colors and patterns, time-out rooms, durability of materials, technology enhancements and outdoor spaces.

She states that often “individuals with autism are not aware of the social dance naturally teamed by other typically developing peers. This dance is an instinctual understanding of the necessarily personal space needed between two individuals. A violation of this space can be an invasion of privacy, causing anxiety and conflict.” By understanding the ….

Read full article