namatavalo

human derived material

frequent sensory experiences and needs of individuals with ASD

reconstruct

superimpose experiences and needs onto residential architectural conventions

visual

architecture

redistribute

create a space which is intuitively designed for its intended inhabitants

c. 2021

The namatavalo house is the final result of an independent project completed for an Architecture studio class.

Namatavalo is a complete and utter neologism. The core of this term borrows from the Russian word наматывать (namativat'), meaning to wind up or wind around. Near the end, it has a built-in suffix "l" which, in this instance, relates to a verb in the past tense: they wound up. Lastly, the added letter "o" has no linguistic founding, and is added to give the word the sense that it's describing a place.

Namatavalo = a place where one winds up/around

The circular qualtities on namatavalo were not the simple result of artistic preference. The underlying goal was to create a home which would be an ideal setting for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Before delving deeper into this design, it is important to note that ASD manifests in countless unique ways. The concept of namatavalo does not intend to generalise or overlook any of these individual needs. Rather, it is an exploration of how spaces which are frequently preferred by individuals with ASD could be compiled to follow the typical architectural conventions of a residential home.

Namatavalo House architectural plans and sections

A compilation of observations, reflections from individuals with ASD, and studies on senses and sensory rooms provided a list of specific behaviours and responses which namatavalo focused on recognising and responding to. Each was mapped to a specific visual or structural decision, which would drive the way the rest of the space would be designed.

Behaviour/Response	Architectural Direction
frequent pacing, often in laps or circles	circular/organic design to enable continuous, circular movement
heightened sensitivity to noise	thick walls to limit noise from outside and noise between rooms
heightened sensitivity to light	stained glass windows to limit overly bright light and create interesting visual effects
frequent movement and shifting	modular furniture to allow shifting and movement while remaining in one place
need for smaller safety spaces	small bedrooms and built-in nooks to provide small comfort spaces at any time
need for larger, airier spaces	large shared rooms with high ceilings to provide more visual and physical space
proximity to nature and tranquility	inclusion of a garden space which serves as a constant space for tranquility and small-scale exploration
soft angles	elimination of sharpness from furniture, walls, doors, and other living elements to decrease injury risk and provide continuity
comforting textures	focus on materials with a comfortable variety sensory textures

Initial concept models for namatavalo house focused on figuring out how organic movement and shapes could be superimposed onto residential home conventions - both in terms of room composition and interior design.

The design for namatavalo house also included a conceptual design for a table and chairs. This set of furniture was created with texture and modularity in mind, showing how frequent movement and shifting could be accommodated within "typical" furnishings.

The focus of this set is on the flexible chairs, which can change position to be closer to, farther from, or even facing away from the table, positioned as actual chairs with backs, stools, or chaise-longues. This physical range would permit namatavalo residents to feel more at ease during prolonged stationary periods, such as during meals.