Examining of Interior Design Approaches in Special Education Buildings for People with Autism

Introduction: Special education building allow each child to be educated within the framework of the principle of equal opportunity. This study aims to examine the interior design approaches applied in education schools for autism and to provide an overview of the special education buildings to be built in T & uuml;rkiye. Method: The study has been designed with a qualitative research method and a document review has been conducted to determine the sample group. The sample group consists of five special education schools located abroad, where the most comprehensive information was accessed in terms of spatial characteristics such as plans, sections, interior visuals, etc. The interior design approaches of these schools have been examined in terms of 8 parameters, namely spatial organization, circulation areas, lighting, acoustics, color, material, equipment/reinforcement and security. Findings: All of the schools determined as the sample group have been arranged in a campus and as a single or two storey. The most important emphasis in schools is on gradual smooth transitions between spaces, with different sensory levels (low, medium, high). In addition, in these schools, individual learning areas have been created as well as arrangements that allow group work in terms of the changing sensory needs of students. Discussion: As a result of the examination of the sample group, it has been determined that especially the space organization, lighting, color, material and acoustic design are extremely important in schools for autistic people. Specially designed schools also support the healthy development of students with autism.