Designing Inclusive Futures for Autistic Students: Architectural Design for Autism Education

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Designing Inclusive Futures for Autistic Students: Architectural Design for Autism Education

OSG Architecture, in collaboration with The Cullum Family Trust and the National Autistic Society, The Canterbury Academy Trust and Kent County Council, is proud to be part of the mission to transform autism education.

As the architectural partner of choice for the provision of inclusive SEN units for autistic students within mainstream schools - known as Cullum Centres - we are proud to support the vital provision of these specialist units. The need for specialist resource provision to support neuro-divergent students has grown exponentially over the last decade and these specialised resource bases, integrated into mainstream schools, address the unique needs of autistic students while promoting inclusivity and high expectations.

OSG won its first Cullum Centre Commission on the back of a long-standing relationship with The Canterbury Academy Trust and numerous projects we had done for them over the years. We have now completed two Cullum Centres for The Canterbury Academy Trust - one for the Primary School and one for the Secondary School, delivered in partnership with the Cullum Family Trust, The National Autistic Society and Kent County Council.

The success of these two Cullum Centres and the specialist design expertise we were able to bring to the table have led to a further commission by Swale Academies Trust to undertake the architectural design for a third Cullum Centre down in Peacehaven, extending this vital provision beyond Kent and into East Sussex.

What We Did

  • Architectural Design: OSG Architecture applied best practices in autism-friendly school design to deliver thoughtful and inclusive designs for Cullum Centres, successfully integrating them into mainstream school environments.

  • Customised Spaces: We designed generous, light, airy, and uncluttered welcome areas, bespoke classrooms, kitchen areas, sensory material-equipped rooms, exercise areas, and dedicated outdoor spaces. These tailored architectural solutions for autism support ensured that each space was functional and welcoming.

  • Consultation and Collaboration: Working closely with The Cullum Family Trust, the National Autistic Society, local authorities, and schools, we ensured each Cullum Centre met the specific needs of its students. This collaborative approach was essential in creating supportive spaces in mainstream schools for autistic students.

  • Project Management: From the initial design phase to completion, we managed the development of the Cullum Centres for The Canterbury Academy Trust, ensuring the creation of supportive environments for autistic learners. Our expertise in inclusive design was pivotal in achieving this goal.

Outcome

The result of our work is an expanding series of innovative Cullum Centres that provide essential resources and support for autistic students. These centres help autistic students build the confidence and skills needed for success, integrated into mainstream schools. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with the design of learning spaces for autistic students, and to contribute to the creation of functional spaces for autism education where students can thrive.

Other SEN work OSG Architecture have been involved with, includes a hydrotherapy pool for Five Acre Wood School and a Hearing Impairment Unit for The Canterbury Academy Trust.

Are you looking to develop a Cullum Centre or a similar inclusive educational or SRP space?
Partner with OSG Architecture to bring your vision to life.
  • Learn more about our inclusive education projects and how we can help design and develop spaces that make a difference:

Canterbury Academy Cullum Centre

Canterbury Primary School Cullum Centre

Five Acre Wood School Hydrotherapy Pool

Canterbury Academy Hearing Impairment Unit

About the Cullum Family Trust

The Cullum Family Trust, in partnership with the National Autistic Society, is dedicated to transforming autism education. They have established Cullum Centres in mainstream secondary schools to provide specialized support for autistic students. OSG Architecture is proud to be part of this mission, leveraging our expertise in architectural design principles for autism support to create inclusive school environments for autism.


We look forward to continuing our work with The Cullum Family Trust and witnessing the positive impact of these centres on communities nationwide.

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