A review on interior design elements at selected dyslexia centre in formulating interior design framework for dyslexia learning environment

Abstract

Currently there is an act by the government towards improving the state of education for disabled learners in Malaysia. Most Dyslexia centre in Malaysia not originally built as a function for the disabled learners and need to renovate to fit the purpose of learning space for children with dyslexia. Thus, the buildings are facing uncomfortable issues in term of inefficient design of the respective building and facilities available. Dyslexia children nowadays spend most of their time and play within the building, therefore, the building needs to be designed following on the specification of dyslexia children's needs because it is essential for their achievement and optimum development in their learning process. The objectives of this research are to identify and determine important interior design elements for the interior spaces of Dyslexia Centers and to formulate an interior framework for the centre based on the identified element from both literatures and direct assessment. Drawing from the objectives, this study aims to create a valid interior design framework that can be the best practice for the centre according to the ecology of the centre and the needs of the target user. This research is conducted using four (4) selected case study approach and data collection will draw attention to interior design setting of selected dyslexia centre using a checklist on facility condition assessment checklist. Direct observation is adopted for analysis on the selected case studies. A semi-structured interview with the principal and teachers also adopted for data collection method while analysis was done based on the study on literature too. The research found that there are four (4) interior design elements that are important to make up an effective interior design setting for dyslexia learning environment, which are; space planning and facilities, colour scheme, materials used and windows and openings. These interior design elements very important to study in-depth in relation to learning environment, specifically for dyslexia children as it is found that most of the visited dyslexia centre did not provide a suitable interior design setting that can stimulate learning process for dyslexic students. The findings are expected to become a reference point for Dyslexia Centres to improve their learning environment condition prior to the spectrums and appropriate interior design elements as supporting environment corrective method to the centres.