Architecture for TEA: the sensitive gaze of Marcia Urbano at CASACOR

One of the projects at CASACOR Brasília 2025 caught attention not only for its aesthetics but for conveying a message of inclusion, sensitivity, and attention to details. The Blue World was designed by architect Marcia Urbano in collaboration with her students from the University of Brasília (UnB) who are within the autistic spectrum, also known as ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

The project is the result of years of research by the professional in neuroarchitecture, combined with her personal experience with her son Pedro Paulo – who also has an ASD diagnosis. The project brings together architectural solutions designed to create safer, more functional spaces capable of promoting well-being. A project that can serve as inspiration for professionals in the field and atypical families.

"I always say that architecture can function as a protective cover for our five senses. It filters the excess stimuli of the city, acting as a mediator between the immense external world and the 'closed' internal world. It is almost a transition element – especially for autistics," she states in an interview with CASACOR.

Guidelines for Designing for Autistic People

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a neurological development condition characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.

Therefore, it is essential that the architecture professional takes into account the sensory and cognitive particularities of each individual when designing inclusive projects. The first step, as in any project, is to deeply understand the client – in this case, the autistic person. "Although they may have difficulty speaking, you should try to talk to them and their parents to understand their peculiarities," encourages Marcia.

Still, there are common aspects of ASD that can guide architects and interior designers. From her studies, Marcia Urbano defined five main guidelines: silence, playfulness, organization, spatial limits, and contact with nature and animals. The professor summarizes: "The architecture that will try to embrace these people needs to be careful with the five senses. This so-called 'neuroarchitecture' that we talk so much about today is nothing more than good architecture – more sensitive and sensory. It just takes a refined look at the daily life of each person and how we can solve their main issues at home."

Blue World at CASACOR Brasília

The guidelines mentioned by Marcia Urbano have been translated poetically and functionally into her project at CASACOR Brasília 2025. Soft colors, organic shapes, and soft textures act as mediators between the chaos of the external world and the necessary silence of the internal world of children.

One of the central elements of the project is the circular table, which delimits the project and helps the child understand their "limits" without restricting movements. The free space around the furniture allows them to engage in stereotypies (repetitive and ritualistic behaviors, like rocking their hands) without risk of getting hurt.

Another highlight is the customized bed, which includes a tent-like curtain to provide a sense of comfort and safety. The furniture also includes an adapted trundle bed, designed so that parents can lie down next to the child in moments of crisis. The illustrated routine panel complements the project, uniting playfulness and organization – two fundamental pillars previously mentioned.

Awarded as the Most Original of CASACOR Brasília, the project drew attention for proposing a new perspective on inclusion. However, Natália Botelho Teixeira, a student at UnB and an assistant to the architect, makes an important observation: "It's worth noting that this project is based on the specific case of Pedro Paulo. The way each autistic person better deals with their reality is deeply linked to the context in which each one developed. Therefore, not all architectural solutions applied in the project will have a positive impact on the life of another autistic person. My suggestion is always to carefully assess the needs of each client and apply similar solutions not because they are universal, but because they are suitable for the situation treated."

Benefits of Neuroarchitecture for ASD

By combining professional experience and personal experience, Marcia Urbano proves in practice the positive impact of neuroarchitecture on the well-being of autistic children and their families. According to the specialist, well-planned projects can even enhance the therapeutic process.

"I always say: the person who is within the autism spectrum wants to have friends. However, they cannot be sociable because their clothes are itching, the sun is bothering them, the noise is leaving them dazed... Sometimes, they just want to escape to their little tent and destress, recover for 45 minutes, and then try again. They need these more introspective moments to cope with the chaotic external world," she exemplifies.

Next, Urbano adds: "Often, parents spend a lot on various therapies for their children, and when they return, they always find chaos inside their own home. So, that doesn't help them much. As part of the investment in therapy, they should have a cozy room to recharge their social battery when necessary. In other words, if the person doesn't pay attention to their domestic project, that therapy won't 'take' so quickly."

Inclusive Urbanism and Friendlier Cities

It is worth stating that the neuroarchitecture guidelines mentioned also apply to urban projects? The answer, according to Marcia Urbano, is yes! In her doctoral thesis, the architect analyzed – based on reports and drawings from autistic individuals – how cities could become more welcoming to their needs.

The research identified five urban factors that generate discomfort for those on the spectrum: noise, chaos, aridity, excessive vastness, and apathy. "I gathered these elements they told me about and brought them to CASACOR. If my research was at the city level, it just needed to change scales. But it works the same way," she explains.

Among the suggested solutions are measures that range from strengthening safety and encouraging green areas to investing in quality public transportation – given that many autistic individuals do not have a driver's license. The subject is addressed in depth (and with charming playfulness!) in the book Thunder PP, written by Marcia Urbano's son. As a final reflection, the architect leaves a powerful message: "Imagine a neuro-urbanistic city that cares about all the senses of the human body? If the city is good for autistics, it will certainly be good for everyone!".