DAY 2 • TUESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER • 14.00 – 14.20
Presentation: ASPECTSS and beyond – the foundations of neuroinclusive design
Originally developed for autism-friendly educational environments, the ASPECTSS™ framework has become one of the most influential evidence-based approaches to neuroinclusive design.
This session explores the principles behind the framework and examines how concepts such as acoustics, sensory zoning, spatial sequencing, and regulation spaces continue to shape the design of schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and public environments today.
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Understanding the ASPECTSS framework and its origins in autism-friendly design
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The role of acoustics, sensory zoning, and spatial organisation in supporting wellbeing
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Creating environments that reduce stress, improve predictability, and support self-regulation
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How ASPECTSS principles have influenced wider neuroinclusive design thinking
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Applying lessons from education settings to workplaces and public spaces
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Prof. Dr Magda Mostafa, Professor of Design and the American University in Cairo and founder of the Autism ASPECTSS Design Index
Prof. Dr Magda Mostafa
Magda Mostafa is Founding Partner and Principal of StudioTM, a design consultancy based in Dubai specialising in Autism and Neuro-Inclusive Design, as well as Professor of Design at the American University in Cairo. She is the author of the ASPECTSS®️ Design Index, the world’s first research-based design framework for autism.
ASPECTSS was awarded the UIA Triennial Research Award in 2014 and Mostafa is the only laureate to be presented this award twice, awarded again in 2023 for her Autism Friendly University Design Guide. Through her consulting ASPECTSS has been used in architectures for autism and neurodiversity across 5 continents and her work has been presented globally including solo exhibits at the 2021 and 2023 Venice Architecture Biennales.
She collaborates globally with leading architectural practices on typologies ranging across residences, schools, healthcare, sports and recreation as well as the urban city scale. This includes her work as Partner and Director of the Autism & Neuro-Inclusive Design Lab at JSA/MIXdesign in New York. Information about her work can be found at www.autism.archi and www.studio-tm.online