surfaces - flooring
Flooring key to autism environment
Flooring choice is key to creating therapeutic, safe spaces. Here, we look at the drivers for specification at a landmark new care facility in Staffordshire
F
orbo Flooring Systems’ Flotex Penang flocked flooring has been installed at the flagship new Caudwell International Children’s Centre (CICC), the UK’s first independent purpose-built facility dedicated to autism diagnosis, intervention and research. The subtle aesthetics and tactile
nature of the range will help to create a calming and easily-cleanable environment for children with autism and neuro-developmental conditions. The unit itself was recently completed and will be run by the charity, Caudwell Children. It is located at the Keele University Science and Innovation Park and was designed by
the charity’s chief executive, Trudi Beswick, and Cheshire-based architects, C4 Consulting. The butterfly figure-of-eight-shaped building houses a variety of multi- functional spaces including state-of-the- art assessment suites, a sensory integration room, and teaching kitchens. And flooring selection was key as certain colours and patterns can be a significant source of overstimulation, and even anxiety, for children with autistic spectrum disorders.
A calming effect James Pass, director and architect at C4 Consulting, said: “We carried out a lot of research into the causes and
effects of overstimulation for children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their coping mechanisms. “Using this research, and Trudi’s unique insight and invaluable input, together we looked into how we could design functional and safe spaces to accommodate the children’s needs while also trying to reduce distracting stimuli in order to aid engagement. “Overtly-patterned floors can be distracting to walk over and can lead to fixation, or even confusion. Therefore, we had to ensure that any patterns present in the floor coverings were minimal and that any repetition in the pattern was not discernible. Beswick’s previous experience as a ➤
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healthcaredm.co.uk
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