In a recent study published in Buildings, Near East University researchers have explored how interior colors influence the ability of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to navigate healthcare environments, offering valuable insights into the development of more inclusive and sensory-responsive architectural spaces. The study, titled “Exploring the Effect of Indoor Colors on the Wayfinding Abilities of Children with Autism: A Case Study of the Ajdabiya Autism Health Center,” investigates how different color conditions affect spatial orientation, navigation efficiency, and behavioral responses among children with autism.

The research was conducted by Ahmad Efkireen from the Department of Interior Design, Institute of Graduate Studies, Near East University; Asst. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Çağnan from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Near East University; and Asst. Prof. Dr. İpek Memikoğlu from the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at Atılım University, Türkiye.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the researchers conducted an experimental study involving 20 children with autism at the Ajdabiya Autism Health Center in Libya. The study examined six interior color conditions—blue, green, yellow, purple, orange, and pink—through standardized wayfinding tasks, direct behavioral observations, and questionnaire assessments involving specialists, supervisors, and parents. Navigation success, task completion time, calmness, and distraction levels were evaluated to identify how different interior colors were associated with children’s ability to move through the healthcare environment.

The findings reveal that cool colors, particularly blue and green, were associated with more effective navigation and calmer behavioral responses. Blue demonstrated the highest wayfinding success rate, with children showing more direct movement toward their destinations and fewer observable distractions. Green produced similarly favorable results, while yellow and purple were associated with intermediate performance. Conversely, orange and pink were linked to greater hesitation, distraction, and reduced navigation efficiency.

Statistical analysis identified significant differences in wayfinding performance across the six color conditions (p = 0.004), supporting the importance of considering color as a functional element of interior design rather than merely an aesthetic choice. Importantly, the study highlights how thoughtfully selected visual environments may support children with autism in interpreting spatial information, recognizing routes, and navigating unfamiliar healthcare settings with greater confidence.

The researchers recommend incorporating cool colors, particularly blue and green, into circulation areas and wayfinding systems, alongside clear signage, consistent spatial organization, and individualized sensory considerations. However, given the exploratory nature of the study and its relatively small sample size, the findings are presented as preliminary evidence requiring further investigation across larger populations and different healthcare and educational settings.

By integrating architecture, interior design, environmental psychology, and autism research, this study contributes to the growing field of evidence-based and inclusive design. It highlights the potential of sensory-responsive environments to support accessibility, independence, and well-being among neurodiverse individuals, while advancing the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

For collaboration and inquiries, please contact Assist. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Çağnan at [email protected]

About the researcher

Çiğdem Çağnan is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Near East University. Her research focuses on healthcare architecture, wayfinding and spatial orientation, sustainable building design, and interior environmental quality. Her publications explore the design of hospital environments, autism-friendly spaces, biophilic design in educational facilities, and sustainability in contemporary and vernacular architecture. Through her interdisciplinary research, she contributes to the development of inclusive, functional, and environmentally responsible built environments.

Disciplines: Architecture, Healthcare Design, Wayfinding, Interior Environmental Quality, Sustainable Architecture, Biophilic Design, Inclusive Design.

Abstract

Previous research has shown that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience challenges related to sensory processing, spatial orientation, and navigation within built environments. Although environmental design factors have been recognized as important contributors to wayfinding performance, the specific role of interior color in supporting navigation and behavioral regulation remains insufficiently explored. This paper examines the effects of interior color on wayfinding performance in an autism healthcare facility. A mixed-methods design was used, involving experimental testing, behavioural observation, and questionnaire analysis. Twenty children with ASD were separated into control and experimental groups and exposed to color-modified environments as a result of a preliminary preference assessment. The success rate, time taken to navigate, and behavioral indicators were used to assess the performance. To determine differences between the color conditions, a statistical analysis was conducted. The findings indicate that cool colors, especially blue and green, are associated with improved wayfinding performance, including higher success rates, reduced navigation time, and calmer behavior. Conversely, warm colors like orange and pink were associated with poorer performance and greater distractibility. The findings indicated statistically significant differences between the tested color conditions, F(5, 14) = 5.87, p = 0.004, η2p = 0.68. However, given the exploratory nature of the study and the limited sample size, these results should be interpreted cautiously. The study nevertheless provides preliminary evidence supporting the consideration of interior color as a potential design factor in autism-friendly environments.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; wayfinding; interior color; sensory design; environmental psychology; architectural design