Embracing Neurodiversity: A Journey of Perspectives

The architectural project is a neurodiversity-focused installation located near Bath Abbey in the historic city of Bath. It features a building with six distinct spaces, each representing various emotional states experienced by neurodiverse individuals when engaging with the built environment.

The primary concept of this installation is to immerse neurotypical visitors in the experiences of neurodiverse individuals, such as those with autism, as they explore Bath's heritage sites. The goal is to enhance understanding and empathy. The building comprises six rooms, each dedicated to a specific emotional state: invisible, anxious, overwhelmed, disoriented, stigmatized, and isolated.

Developing the Brief

During the pandemic, are experience of the built environment narrowed into our homes and we learned that they were not the source of wellbeing we had assumed and instead emphasised the pain of isolation, leading to a newfound interest in understanding this impact, especially for neurodiverse individuals.

My project was further motivated by my critical stance on the preservation of historic architecture. While it may seem noble, many historic buildings were constructed to showcase wealth and power, making them symbols of oppression. I believe conserving such buildings perpetuates outdated ideals of hierarchy, which contradict our modern world's celebration of human diversity.

Invisible

Anxious

Overwhelmed

Disorientated

Stigmatised

Isolated

This emotion stems from a lack of flexibility in the built environment, leaving individuals feeling like passive observers, overlooked, and disregarded.

Enclosed areas with limited light and a lack of predictability evoke feelings of anxiety and unease.

Sensory overload caused by loud noises, bright lights, and overwhelming textures is exacerbated by a lack of control over the environment.

Confusing layouts, insufficient signage, and a lack of information within the environment leave individuals feeling lost and disconnected.

The presence of specialized spaces, stigmatizing language, and a lack of public awareness led to the needs of the neurotypical being prioritised, which in turn lead to feelings of being stigmatized.

This emotion emerges in response to inaccessible, socially demanding spaces, and a lack of community-oriented areas, hindering one's sense of belonging and support.

Following the research phase of the project, I reached the conclusion that the intervention should simulate the six negative emotions previously discussed. This approach allows the user to experience and gain a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be neurodiverse.

Site Analysis

In selecting a site for the intervention, I investigated three aspects: the number of Covid cases, the prevalence of listed buildings, and the amount of newly constructed buildings. Somerset emerged as the ideal county based on these criteria. I decided the site should be in close proximity to a historic place of worship, as these often symbolize outdated values. Consequently, Bath Abbey was chosen to be in view of the site.

This timeline illustrates the historical evolution of the site where Bath Abbey stands today. At the top, it depicts the physical development, beginning with a small church, followed by the construction of the cathedral, and the completion of Bath Abbey in 1611. Subsequently, it highlights ongoing extensive repair work.

On the bottom, the timeline tracks societal changes, such as women gaining the right to vote in 1921 and the enactment of the Equality Act of 2010. The primary objective of this timeline is to underscore the contrast between a physically unchanging world and one that continually evolves socially. It emphasizes how a commitment to conservation can sometimes impede change.

When selecting a specific site, I considered three potential locations. My criteria included proximity to Bath Abbey for easy viewing, high foot traffic to minimize user travel, and a location that wouldn't disrupt the historical nature of Bath, given its status as a listed city. The site I've selected is an open space that lies adjacent to the Abbey.

Site Plan

Site Section AA

Site Section BB

Input/Output

The above picture shows the user circulation of the area, darker green shows the main route through the site and the lighter green shows the secondary routes within the site.

User Analysis

The image above depicts how pedestrians utilize the site. Most people pass through the area, while others visit the Abbey or explore the shops.

Development

Embracing the local architectural heritage, I found that most bath buildings feature Georgian architecture. Consequently, I concluded that the intervention should adopt this style to amplify the weight of the oppressive historical design.

I analysed pedestrian traffic in the area, noting a main flow of movement. Based on this observation, I decided to encase this space with the intervention, encouraging user engagement without significantly disrupting their route. To preserve the secondary pedestrian routes, I divided the intervention into six modules. This decision ensures that pedestrians can still access their paths while providing a dedicated module for each emotion I intend to replicate.

The "invisible" module is an empty space with one-way mirrors, enabling users to look out at the surroundings without being seen by people outside the module.

The anxious module is A dark space with a transparent floor and concealed spikes underneath creates a sense of unease and hesitancy for users contemplating entering the area.

The overwhelmed module is a multi-faced room is filled with various textures, and speakers create loud noises while stage lights shine brightly, simulating a state of sensory overload.

the "Disoriented module is An outdoor area with a series of mirrors reflects the user's journey, evoking a sense of confusion as they navigate through the space.

The "Stigmatized" module is A maze-like space with narrow gaps and arches symbolizes the complexity that stigma adds to a person's life, making it more challenging to navigate.

the "Isolated" module is divided into three separate spaces which require the user to travel through it alone. If another person enters from the opposite end, the two users are inevitably confronted with an uncomfortable and awkward situation as they try to navigate through.

Final Design

Plan

Showing the six modules within their surrounding area. It includes an analysis of user circulation and interactions with the space. The modules being separate allows users to decide whether they want to engage with the space. Furthermore, the pathways and green spaces in the vicinity restrict options for passersby, channeling them toward the site.

Plan with User Analysis, Access and Circulation

North Elevation

South Elevation

I chose bath stone as the exterior cladding of the intervention as this is what is commonly used in the area, I chouse slat roof tiles for the same reason. The modules are symmetrical with regular gaps between the windows, inspired by Georgian architecture. Some of the windows are fake to keep the interior of the modules dark but not disrupt the Georgian aesthetic.

Section AA

In this section you can see the extent of difference each module has with one another, showcasing their unique features to evoke each emotion.

Invisible Module Section

Invisible Module Exploded Isometric

Anxious Module Section

Anxious Module Exploded Isometric

Overwhelmed Module Section

Overwhelmed Module Exploded Isometric

Isolated Module Section

Isolated Module Exploded Isometric

Details

The interior visuals give a better understanding of each module and how it simulates it’s intended emotion.

External Visualisations

My hope for the intervention is that Those who engage with the intervention will hopefully leave the site with a better understanding and appreciation for the neurodiverse and they will be able to analyse the historic architecture in their surroundings through a more critical and empathetic lens.

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