Integration of play therapy through architectural design strategies for children with physical disabilities

Abstract

Physical disability makes it hard for a person to take a walk, run, watch closely, and do other usual life tasks. Similarly, being mischievous is something that is expected to be part of a child’s nature. Fun encourages all children to have an opportunity to be united with others of the same age. The analysis of various types and elements of physical disabilities in children including the rationale of play therapy, enables to identify the significance of the program to their development. Play therapy is highlighted among other strategies to be used in enhancing inclusivity while gaining the interest of a child, thus increasing the overall result and experience of a child-oriented program. This research will focus on evaluating the use of play therapy to create better ergonomics and an atmosphere that is friendly to children with physical disabilities, particularly through the use of architectural design strategies. The study will be conducted by interviewing professionals in play therapy and reviewing and analysis of the literature to see what the building design features include. A case study on the precedent buildings shows the different types of rooms and design strategies for play therapy in them through factors like layout, wayfinding, ventilation, lighting, and outdoor and indoor play areas. Thus, the research results in the core design parameters to be considered while designing the center that will be used in the provision of the play therapy program for children with physical disabilities.