DOI: doi.org/10.21776/ub.ijds.2023.10.02.3
167
Visual Environment Aspect of Public Building Design for Persons with Down Syndrome
Tania Amien Chalim, Arina Hayati , Ima Defiana
Architecture Department. Faculty of Civil, Planning and Geo Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS)
Corresponding author:
Tania Amien Chalim, [email protected]
Article history:
Received: 14 October 2022 Revised: 1 August 2023 Accepted: 5 November 2023
Published online at ijds.ub.ac.id
Copyright © 2023 Author(s) Licensed under CC BY NC
Abstract
Down syndrome is a trisomy genetic disorder resulting in cognitive delays in the fetus. Cognitive impairment in Down syndrome affects short-term memory and motor impairment due to the characteristic hypotonia of the muscles. People with Down syndrome tend to be visual learners. Through visuals, they are easier to remember and repeat. Visual memory in Down syndrome is better than auditory memory in receiving information. Therefore, the visual environment aspect is presented as a facility in architectural element designs to improve cognition, memory, and motor skills in the wayfinding orientation stimulus. Aspects of the visual environment are offered to stimulate the sensory vision repeatedly. Sensory architecture has a role in activating the body in receiving information, exploring the world, providing taste, and forming social relationships. This paper aims to discuss the design of the visual environment in stimulating the sensory vision of people with Down syndrome to facilitate wayfinding orientation. Visual environment design through colours, patterns, materials, and light are presented as tools to activate visual understanding in responding to and remembering wayfinding orientations. Aspects of the visual environment are communication and encouraging physical activity for users.
Keywords: Down syndrome, Visual environment aspect, Sensory architecture, Wayfinding
1. Visual environment for down syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in the fetus and is easily identified by physical characteristics. Excess chromosomes cause a decrease in nerve cells in the central nervous system. Trisomy 21 chromosomal disorders cause delays in the intellectual development of cognition that affect memory and motor skills. Cognitive rehabilitation, given sequentially and repeatedly, can help improve his ability (Rondal, 2007). Down syndrome is a visual learner, and their visual memory is better than the memory of information through hearing.
The environment is an educational medium through the physical, sensory, and social attributes of the aspects where humans spend time (V. M. Buyanov, 2006). Aspects of the visual environment are presented as natural and artificial stimuli through visual aspects of colour, pattern, material, and light as wayfinding orientations. Sensory architecture is used as a functional approach for the first instrument to respond, perform activities, and respond to the surrounding environment. The user's perception dominates the visual aspect through the sense of sight, which is helpful as a prototype (Narvaez, 2016).
The visual environment provides facilities for people with Down syndrome disabilities to achieve wayfinding orientation. The building for Down syndrome has a visual environment design concept that makes it easier for users to carry out activities and generate positive responses to wayfinding. Design aspects of the visual environment present an influence regularly and repeatedly through architectural elements in stimulating cognition, memory, and motoric users.
2. Theory and approach
Issues are related to the characteristics of Down syndrome and visual elements as a wayfinding design concept through the user's sensory vision. The characteristics of Down syndrome and visual elements are considered as a wayfinding design concept through the user's sensory vision. The sensory design of a given visual element responds to the architectural aspect as a sign. This paper is part of a literature and precedent study for a research-based design using a force-based framework (Plowright, 2014). In the research process related to the wayfinding design context, Plowright's Force-based framework process design is used, in which there are exploratory and evaluative thinking stages.
There are five stages in the Force-based framework: Identify forces (Context, Culture, Needs), Propose forms, Refine, Assemble system, and proposal (Plowright, 2014). Below is a diagram of the force-based framework design process in the context of wayfinding design:
Fig. 1. Force-based Framework, Source: copyright Plowright,2014.
Figure 1 shows the position of the paper discussion that focuses on identifying forces up to the stage of proposed forms. At the stage of forces identifying, explores and evaluates the characteristics of Down syndrome on the environment and buildings. This stage is to determine the criteria and design parameters. While the purpose forms stage is only discussed, the exploration thinking to get design ideas to respond to the forces from the results of the precedent study.
Each process uses a method for design thinking, from problem-seeking to problem- solving. The process of identifying forces uses the literature searching method (Jones, 1970) to determine the needs for Down syndrome characteristics, namely cognitive, memory, and motor disorders. Literature searching determines the priority of user needs and their characteristics. The sensory architecture approach supports reviewing the precedent studies at the stage of the proposed forms. Sensory architecture is used based on the characteristics of users to visual stimuli through the senses at the stage of proposing forms in exploratory thinking to reach a design solution. At this stage, the method of Jormakka (2017) is used to evaluate what kind of visual environment design accommodates the user's cognition, memory, and motor characteristics in wayfinding orientation. The study of sensory architecture approaches and searches aspects of the visual environment through colour, pattern, material, and lights. It helps users understand the wayfinding orientation of the existing designs in their environment.
3. Visual environment aspects
The visual environment is a means to improve cognition, memory, and motor skills in wayfinding orientation. People with Down syndrome are visual learners, and these aspects are essential for users to understand their environment. Aspects of the visual environment are presented through architectural attributes aimed at smoothing the user's sensory experience. Aspects of the presented visual environment become a medium to train children to interpret and respond to sensory information from the environment in various ways (V. M. Buyanov, 2006). Some aspects of the visual environment used are colour, pattern, material, and light as physical space in stimulating the wayfinding orientation process.
Space visualization is vital to help users interact with their environment. The visual environment is a cognitive map that provides sensory information, imagination, and language (Dak Kopec, 2018). Architectural elements provide a significant impact on awareness and behaviour. The visual environment's design becomes the user's natural setting through external objects. The visual environment is a means of sensory communication in architecture itself. It can be read through the details of materials, sizes or proportions, and colours that are influenced by light and appearance (Swirnoff, 1982).
The details that the visual environment provides come from colours, image patterns, materials, and light that are modified to influence the positive behaviour of the user (Dak Kopec, 2018). Aspects of the visual environment are used and interrelated with each other in the user's stimulus process to determine orientation and wayfinding.
3.1 Colour of the architecture element
User characteristics are essential to understand their perception in responding to and interacting with their environment. Using the right colour can turn a monotonous environment into a stimulating environment. Colour is presented to help increase concentration and creativity and reduce boredom (Meerwein, 2007). Colour is a fundamental element of our visual perception, diverse visual entities that are constantly connected and influenced by light. Colour visuals are recorded through sensory experiences and sensations that trigger memory and recognition processes (Meerwein, 2007). The visual aspect of colour in architectural elements serves as a spatial boundary, zoning, and property line and gives character to a space.
Colour is a visual aspect that is easy to understand and distinguish in wayfinding orientation on spatial and formal aspects. The role of colour varies. It is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of its users so that the presence of colour becomes an advantage, not an obstacle. People with Down syndrome match the middle-range colour palettes to support productivity and increase concentration (Meerwein, 2007). Luis &
Moncayo (2018) explain that a non-contrast middle-range colour combination will be better than a contrasting blend. Figure 2 is an example of a contrasting and non-contrast middle ranges colour combination:
Contrasting middle ranges
The mix of Middle ranges does not
Fig. 1. Middle Range Pallete Colour. Source: author illustration.
The visual aspect can directly signal the human sense of sight. According to Luis &
Moncayo ( 2018), colours, patterns, and lines become signals or signs for users who see them. From this, we can understand that colour becomes a simple visual aspect that is easy to navigate to help with wayfinding orientation. Wayfinding and navigation are two interrelated things as media in stimulating user characteristics. The visual aspect of colour in the wayfinding system trains cognition in perceiving and remembering and also stimulates motor work.
blend colours
contrast
(a) (b)
Fig. 2. Color aplication for wayfinding.
Source: skill development course in pinterest (a), James Florio, 2019 (b).
Figure 3 is an example of the application of colour in a wayfinding system. Figure 3 (a) colour for wayfinding is applied simultaneously to the floor, wall, and ceiling elements.
The application of colour like this will make it easier for users to navigate and help them remember the function of a space based on its colour. While in Figure (b), the application of colour lies in the symbols of numbers and wall elements. The application of colour for the wayfinding system would be better if it were not excessive so that the differences would be more clearly visible and contrasting. Vision is the central sensory system. The visual aspect of colour will indirectly navigate the user. In stimulating user characteristics, the visual aspect of this wayfinding system becomes a medium for training the motor work system. Motoric disorders of users can be stimulated by conducting orientation training presented in visual wayfinding (Hantari & Ikaputra, 2020).
2.2 Pattern of the architectural element
In addition to colour, another visual aspect that is presented as information in training cognitive and motor activities is patterns. The pattern is a visual aspect that is captured by the human senses after colour (Kopacz, 2004). People with Down syndrome find difficulties in recognizing and losing orientation in their spatial environment. The pattern becomes a visual sensory aspect that is useful as a marker of changes in the function and level of the building (Meerwein, 2007). According to Kopacz (2004), the visual aspect of colour supported by patterns can also navigate and train the user's orientation to stimulate motorically. Patterns are presented to give signals or signs in wayfinding orientation, with the aim of training cognition and memory skills and generating perceptions to memorize a space. Geometric shape patterns are better used to avoid complicated shapes that confuse people with Down syndrome. The pattern of shapes on the floor, walls, and ceiling aims to act as a navigator and clarify the wayfinding system (Febriany F., Laksmi K. Wardani, 2018).
Fig. 3. Pattern application for Wayfinding.
Source: Luis & Moncayo , 2018 (a); KLEO Art Residences, 2020 (b).
Figure 4 is an example of a pattern presented in an architectural element that can attract attention. The existence of a pattern is indirectly able to navigate and influence the user. The use of simple geometric patterns in the example in Figure 4 becomes more visible. The pattern is a differentiator for users to be easily recognized. The application of the pattern itself aims to achieve a cognitive stimulus, expression, feel and look. To stimulate the user's motoric work, the existence of patterns that are applied with visual aspects of colour become points of interest that play a role in navigating.
Fig. 4. Floor pattern for wayfinding. Source: projekt xystudio, 2013 (a), Alive Yoo, 2011 (b).
The visual aspects of the pattern presented on the floor make it easier for users to navigate in the direction they are going. Figure 5 is an example of a pattern presented on
a floor with a geometric shape, groove and colour. Cognitively, patterns can be easier for users to remember and grow an expression of feeling (Luis & Moncayo, 2018). The existence of an interesting pattern can encourage the user's motor work reflex. The visual aspects of various patterns are supported by the presence of colours providing a positive stimulus to encourage users to carry out activities. Activities will automatically occur according to the influence of the surrounding environment. The influence is not only from other human activities but through its physical attributes. Applying patterns to architectural elements can unconsciously encourage the user's motor work reflex.
Fig. 5. Ceiling pattern for wayfinding. Source: photo by Julie Joubert, archives kamel mennour, 2016 (a); photo by Sergio Grazia, archives DIVISARE, 2017 (b); Kremena Ruseva, DEAVITA, 2015 (c).
The existence of patterns presented in architectural elements is a sign and signal because of the characteristics of the pattern formed. For example, figure 6 (a) shows the pattern in the shade that appears due to light reflection will be a sign for the user. In addition, the sign given by the pattern is supported by the visual aspect of the colour on the ceiling can also be a memory to make it easier for users to determine the orientation of the wayfinding. The visual aspect of the pattern in Figure 6 (b) to artificial lighting becomes an attractive aesthetic element. The pattern is only presented on the ceiling, supported by the presence of striking colour on the ceiling element, which is the hallmark of the hallway. Patterns and colours that are presented in one of the elements in a room like this will be more clearly visible. Figure 6 (c) shows the role of the pattern assisted by the lighting on the ceiling in an aesthetic, lighting, shaping perception and orientation of wayfinding. Some of these things indicate that patterns play a role in training the user's memory to memorize the function of a space and fostering the user's interest in training motor movements.
3.3 Material of the architectural element
Materials are markers or landmarks for daily activities (Hidayat, 2018). Materials help the senses of sight and touch, stimulating sensory-related memory and motor skills.
(a) (b) (c)
Using recognized natural materials will help the adaptation process to the environment and new situations in their environment (Hidayat, 2018)—using materials from natural elements as a source of sensory stimulus for users because nature is a familiar environment for them. Natural material is one of the visual aspects that is intentionally modified to give the user's perception.
Fig. 6. Nature materials. Source: Joshevan, 2014.
Natural materials influence the positive behaviour of users (Kopec, 2018). Natural materials give a deep quality and influence the user's emotions (Luis & Moncayo, 2018).
Using natural materials provides a perception to train cognition skills in the perception of users, namely people with Down syndrome. Natural materials are presented in such a way that will assist users in achieving wayfinding orientation if placed in specific locations or circulations. The arrangement of materials, with the help of light on architectural elements, will present an experience and characteristics to facilitate wayfinding orientation.
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 7. Nature materials application. Source: photo by Ariel Valenzuela + Diego Ledesma, Papagayo House, 2021 (a), Andrew Lee, 2012 (b), Aleksandra Berzhets, Franken-Schotter, 2008.
Natural materials applied to architectural elements provide textures that can stimulate the user's tactile motor system. Textures on natural materials can stimulate the sense of touch. The aroma from natural materials will encourage the human sense of smell and become a recognizable memory. Nature is good natural stimulation for users, according to Tufvesson (2009), so using natural materials in architectural elements is one of the right choices when applied to design designs. Judging from the characteristics of
Down syndrome, which has impaired cognition, memory, and motor skills, it would be better if the materials used were safe. Safe material here is helpful to minimize the effects of injury when the user performs movements and other activities. Use natural materials to be safe, for example, by using shapes with smooth or not sharp corners so as not to harm the user—synthetic material with a surface that is not too rough.
3.4 Light for the architectural element
Literature studies show that people with Down syndrome are attracted to the light from windows or surfaces that reflect light (Hidayat, 2018). The natural sunlight from the window opening is one of the preferred locations for people with Down syndrome. In addition, the presence of light supports the process of conveying meaning and stimulus in sensory activities to improve the user's cognition and motor skills. Excessive light needs to be avoided because it causes glare; this is caused by the contrast of the light source with its surroundings. Balancing nature and light sources in the interior must be considered according to the needs of the senses (Luis & Moncayo, 2018). Light's right features can positively affect the human body (Kanaani & Kopec, 2016).
Fig. 8. A natural and artificial light application. Source: Daniel Buren, 2017 (a), Ketsiree Wongwan, 2013 (b), Michael Gazzola, 2011. (c)
Natural lighting is used maximally, considering that building activities occur in the morning until noon. In addition, lighting supports visual aspects in activating environmental functions. A transparent roof with patterns and colours reflecting shadows in Figure 9 is an example of combining visual aspects to stimulate users. The presence of shadows arising from the roof becomes a hallmark or sign for the user's memory.
Beautiful colourful shadows can train motor performance and also help wayfinding orientation. Natural light is one of the visuals that can foster positive stimulation for users (Kanaani & Kopec, 2016).
An open garden in the yard or building is crucial in bringing natural features and natural light to the building. In addition to presenting light, voids or openings make a good air filter. Natural features become one of the elements to increase user interest so that it
triggers motoric expression or movement. Natural lighting and natural features become the user's natural stimulus. Light under the shade from the window can attract the attention of Down syndrome and become a natural stimulus for mood (Buckley, S & Bird, G, 2014). Excess light can interfere with concentration, so it can change the user's mood.
It is good to pay attention to the use of natural and artificial light based on the function of the space.
4. Conclusion
Disorders of cognition, memory and motoric skills in people with Down syndrome affect their activities, making them difficult to memorize and understand their environment. After getting to know the characteristics of Down syndrome, they are visual learners, so the visual environment is presented as a stimulus to facilitate their activities.
Aspects of the visual environment through colours, patterns, materials, and light are applied in architectural elements as tools in wayfinding orientation. The user's achievement in wayfinding orientation will affect cognition, memory, and motor performance, which becomes a provision in future life. Aspects of the visual environment of colour, pattern, material, and light are used and interrelated in applying architectural elements.
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