VJAA

Location: Saint Cloud, MN
Size: 3,500 sf

Saint Cloud State University’s Autism Discovery Center supports a spectrum of sensory environments for visiting children. Careful consideration was given to acoustics; sequence and transitions between high-stimulus and low-stimulus programmatic zones; and compartmentalization of sensory environments. Each observation room contains a “lens,” a circular soft seating nook with integrated one-way mirror allowing trained staff to observe occupational therapy procedures. The calm, safe, and compartmentalized lenses use a recognizable shape for individuals with autism to easily understand visually. Visitors can transition from the observation rooms to separated high-stimulus activity rooms through passageways lit with soft indirect natural light. Together this assemblage of sensory zones acknowledges the richness and diversity of experience for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder.