Rocky River High School for Students with Autism

Rocky River High School for Students with Autism is a boarding school located in Rocky River, North Carolina. The conceptual inspiration is a Pitcher Plant, which gets its nourishment differently from other plants, similar to how people with autism simply have a different way of perceiving the world. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a sociocommunicative disorder that varies greatly from person to person, each with different sensitivities and discomforts. The concept will allow the design to accommodate as many students’ needs/preferences as possible. Generally, lighting is indirect and any direct light is separately dimmable, overwhelming patterns are avoided, and colors are generally muted to eliminate visual overstimulation and discomfort. There are many seating options and fabric textures, consistent in every building to provide consistent comfort. In addition, decompression rooms and furniture are available in every student building. Each floor of the academic building is identical with subjects in the same place for year to year consistency. A key challenge was how to promote socialization to make it easier for students in their lives while also providing separation for decompression and self regulation. The solution was semi-private study spaces like nooks and study pits in the floor, and semi-private dorm rooms. Dimmable lights, reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and passive solar heating and cooling in large buildings provide sustainable aspects to the design. Overall, by considering the needs of students with autism and providing structure, variety, and privacy as well as opportunities for socialization, this school allows students with autism to blossom.