Abstract:
Due to the rise in the number of autistic children and their different sensory and
cognitive performances in comparison to normal people, this research aims to develop the criteria
of suitable therapeutic landscapes for autistic children based on biophilic landscape patterns. It
also attempts to examine the effect of such patterns. Framed by theories of biophilic design
theorists, this study employed a mixed-methods design to investigate if biophilic landscape
patterns can influence children’s senses on two spectrums of suffering namely one and three,
in three functional zones outdoors. For this purpose, adaptive patterns were piloted using the
experimental research method, and the effects of the patterns were evaluated by examining the
senses, concentration, performance, and speech of the subjects. Some biophilic design patterns,
such as visual connection with nature, presence of water, and risk/peril, could effectively improve
the visual, olfactory, tactile, and vestibular senses of children of two spectrums, and such effects
on the senses improved the concentrations, children’s speech and mood. However, some patterns,
such as ambiguity and mystery, the light and shadow game, and changes in levels, did not have
positive impacts on children. The design of the pattern needs to keep the therapeutic zone away
from the sensory interference of other zones. Otherwise, children’s sensory perception will be
disturbed, and the treatment will not be effective. The results of the research indicate that due
to the different effectiveness of sensory stimuli on children with autism, it is not possible to
generalize the patterns to normal people and use biophilic landscape patterns for therapeutic
purposes with autistic children. Rather, before employing the strategies, they need to be tested
first, and then the models of the therapeutic landscape suitable for affected children need to
be developed. The suitable space, the environment, and the landscape for autistic children are
different from the ones that can be used for non-autistic children, and autistic children need
their own appropriate space.