Sensory Integration Therapy (SI) is a neurobehavioral theory first introduced in the 1970's by Jean Aryes (Kurtz, 2009). It describes a theory primarily practiced in occupational therapy, "Essentially, the theory holds that disordered sensory integration accounts for some aspects of learning disorders and that enhancing sensory integration will make some academic learning easier for those children whose problem lies in that domain. Sensory integration, or the ability to organize sensory integration for use, can be improved through controlling its input to activate brain mechanisms." (Aryes, 1973)  Sensory input is organized through the central nervous system and allows the body to respond accordingly to the surrounding environment. (Kurtz,2009)  "Sensory integrative processes result in perception and other types of synthesis of sensory data that enable man to interact effectively with the environment" (Aryes,1973) A disordered sense perception can alter a child's success in the surrounding environment, and hinder learning as a result. 

Sensory Integration Therapy relies on controlling environmental stimuli to isolate specific senses. Since the therapy requires a controlled environment it is theoretically plausible that the architecture and interior design  in which the therapy takes place can have a direct impact on level of success during treatment. This research will propose an architectural intervention for the environment in which therapy is conducted that responds to the unique nature of the user and in turn enable the environment to become more conducive to successful treatment. 

I am focusing my research on designing a children's therapy clinic... After visiting multiple environments from classrooms to residential housing I have deduced that the buildings relating to therapy contain parameters that would benefit most from architectural interventions. 

The design of the building will be centered around sensory integrated therapy gyms, while also taking into consideration programatic elements that are standard in clinical settings.

I will use the theory associated to sensory integrated therapy and treatment methods to help to set up rules as a foundation for design. 

Ayres, J. (1973). Sensory integration and learning disorders. (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services.

Kurtz, L. A. (2009). Understanding controversial therapies for children with autism, attention deficit disorder, and other learning disabilities, a guide to complementary. Jessica Kingsley Pub.