Abstract:
The lack of sufficient diagnosis, research and architecture for neurodivergent people pose a
major issue for them to integrate themselves into society, especially in the context of third world
countries such as Pakistan. May it be public or private spaces, research suggests that
neurodivergent people have behavioral difficulties while dealing with situations that may be
normal for most people. This is due to the intrinsic differences in their neurological
development which are exhibited in their day-to-day behaviors.
Center for Neurodiversity is a healthcare facility that aims to bridge the gaps of awareness,
diagnosis, rehabilitation, and research in the domain of autism in Islamabad and its vicinities.
This center has a multisensory immersive design language that informs the general public of
high and low stimulating sensory experiences, similar to what autistic people may
experience, through spatial and aesthetic design. Furthermore, the multisensory immersive
design contributes to the diagnostic facility and rehabilitation-therapy facility in their
respective sensory needs. A research facility is also provided for theoretical and practical
research and analysis. The center aims to create a sufficient self-awareness opportunity for
neurodivergent people so that they are able to self-regulate in various distressful scenarios.
The methodologies for this research-based thesis project include qualitative analysis of the
current diagnosis of autism and how architecture can contribute to it through sensory design
language. Moreover, surveys have been conducted to acquire information about the existing
diagnosis, therapy and educational facilities available for autism. Case studies have also been
studied to encompass what has already been done successfully and what may have positive
future prospects.
Note that the aims of this thesis project entail to research that has already been done,
especially in the first world countries, and that this domain will require further research, for
any new such projects, due to limited knowledge of the DSM – 5. Relevant research is and
on-going process.
