According to Christopher N. Henry, a specialist in Autism design, architects are divided over what to the optimal approach for lighting in facilities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders…
…Some say we should limit daylight and exterior views, keep ceiling heights low and spatial volumes small, use restrained details, subdued colors, and reduce acoustical levels. Others advocate for high ceiling heights, large spatial volumes, and high levels of daylight with plenty of views to the outside. Still others disagree with catering to sensory needs altogether. They point out that individuals with autism struggle generalizing skills, and designing sensory heavens can do more harm than good. Thus they argue for autism classrooms, schools, and homes that mimic all the colors, sounds, lighting, and spatial volumes of ‘neuro-typical’ environments…
One issue that Henry alludes to in his article, is the problem of sensory over-stimulation that exposure to daylight may create in Autistics…
…The architecture firm Fletcher Thompson feels autism turns conventional knowledge on its head. “Because of the extreme sensitivity to sensory stimulation,” Fletcher Thompson believes, “clerestory windows and skylights may be counter productive because shifting patterns of daylight can complicate the visual environment.” In lieu of this, Fletcher Thompson believes, the amount and type of visual stimulation should be tightly controlled…
The SchoolVision system from Philips can create 4 lighting scenes that fit distinct classroom activities from a fresh start in the morning and after lunch to calm down the classroom when the children are over-active. This dynamic lighting system seems to work well according to studies and Eduardo Mataix, Lighting Chairman Philips Middle East (talking about the system in the context of Philips’ Silver sponsorship of the First Kuwait Schools and Colleges Build Conference and Exhibition in September 2009):
“…Children sometimes feel tired, or are hyperactive, and find it more difficult to concentrate in class. This creates new challenges for teachers to get the best out of them on their school results”, says [Mataix]. “Using the right lighting solution, such as Dynamic Lighting in classrooms, helps to overcome early morning sleepiness and enhances the students’ concentration leading to making less mistakes as well as suppressing hyperactivity”, he adds…
The SchoolVision system includes Philips Activiva Active lamps, which contain 85% more blue light than daylight, and are known for their alertness and energising effects on individuals. Despite the potential for over-stimulation in Autistic individuals, such a system may also work for them - because the amount of light could be controlled to certain parts of the day when energy and alertness are especially needed. In the below example from a school in England, Autistic children look to have excelled in a dynamic lighting environment (which would have included energising lights of some sort)…
…An interactive and bespoke lighting system from Zumtobel is proving a real success for pupils with autism and other special educational needs (SENs) at the Yeoman Park School in Nottingham.
…The EMOTION TOUCH active light ceiling was installed experimentally to see how pupils would respond to the interactive lighting system. Clusters of recessed LIGHTFIELDS luminaires integrated into the system provide variable lighting and light colour depending on the environment required. Featuring a single control panel, up to 16 scenes have been easily programmed into the system, including a fibre optic starry sky and a soothing lilac tone to promote a calm atmosphere in the classroom. When pupils are required to be more alert the ceiling is simply made brighter whilst different settings indicate important times in the day for pupils, such as lunch and home time.
The nerves in an autistic brain allow for greater differentiation between stimuli, and are very sensitive to many stimuli that most people ignore, with flickering from conventional fluorescent lighting liable to induce seizures in autistic children. Designed by Sotsass Associati, the LIGHTFIELDS luminiares were the perfect choice as the micro prism optic ensures only the light is seen, not the lamp. The prism optic also reduces direct and reflected glare whist enabling clear light to radiate down into the classroom. The slim, discreet design ensures the fitting remains unobtrusive against the ceiling.
Joan Morris from the school is extremely positive about the benefits of the system to the pupils, commenting: “The flexibility of the lighting levels and colour range the system provides is very useful as it means we can utilise the space for a number of tasks ranging from teaching to relaxation time without having to change classrooms. It’s inspired more confidence in the students who find verbal communication difficult. The changes in the light settings allow them to be more aware of their surroundings and what is required of them without the need for speech.”
(sources: Designing for Autism: Lighting | ArchDaily ; Philips showcases latest dynamic lighting innovation during Kuwait Schools and Colleges Build Exhibition | Philips | AMEinfo.com ; Lighting Directory News - Flexible lighting scheme from Zumtobel aids autistic children )