Research instruments on environmental quality applied to small children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Children aged between 4 to 7 years play a minor role in academic studies in Architecture and Urbanism, a situation related to the difficulty of obtaining their opinions, especially those with intellectual disabilities, such as Children with Down Syndrome (CDS). Therefore, little is known about their perception of the built environment. For this to change, instruments should be developed in order to approach these children, which could contribute both to valuing their opinion and supporting the professional practice of architects. This finding led to exploratory, qualitative and interdisciplinary research to create research tools directed to young CDS, and obtain their opinion about the built environment. The study was based on: (a) literature review; (b) expert panels, comprising 10 parents and 28 professionals. Based on this information, three research instruments were prepared: Spatial Qualification Chart, Illustrated Cards and Make-believe in a Three-Dimensional Physical Model. They are tested with eleven CDS. The results showed that: (i) the proposed instruments fit the task; (ii) some care can facilitate the work with this public; (iii) the participating children perceive and qualify the space - which justifies new research endeavors with CDS.