The Concept of Behavioural Architecture in the School Design for Special Needs Students – Intelectual Disabilities


Authors : Sri Astuti Indriyati

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ynr5tfza

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mwmuvdvz

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan114

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Children with special needs (ABK) also have the same right to access education according to their capacity and needs. The education system in Indonesia still faces significant challenges, namely that it is not yet sufficient and does not optimally accommodate the needs of ABK. The observation method focused on individuals with intellectual disabilities, with analysis conducted on identified Behaviours of individuals with intellectual disabilities. For those with mild intellectual disabilities, they can read, perform simple calculations, write, and engage in other simple activities, with abilities equivalent to a normal 8-12 years old. For those with moderate intellectual disabilities, regular and continuous training is needed to perform activities, and only a small percentage can read, write, and count. Their intellectual abilities are more limited, they can be taught, and they have self-care skills and certain abilities equivalent to those of a normal 3-8 years old child. The principles of behavioural architecture in the Concept Design of a Special Needs School for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, applied according to their specific Behaviours, include Safety & Supervision, Safe Circulation Layout, Classroom Size & Space Ratio, Accessibility, Control of Motor Stimuli, Functional Zoning, Flexibility, Building Material & Finishing Material Selection, Easy-to-Understand Wayfinding, and Safe Evacuation Routes. The detailed concept of achieving the above 10 principles gave rise to the design of a Special School for Mild & Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, which is suitable for accommodating various student Behaviours, ensuring their safety, incorporating educational elements, and helping to improve their knowledge and skills.

Keywords : Children with Special Needs; Special Needs Children; Intellectual Disability; Design for Intellectual Disability; Special Education School; Behavioural Architecture; Behavioural Design.

References :

  1. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) in 2017 (2017) The number of children with special needs in Indonesia.
  2. Data from the Central Data and Information Centre.
  3. Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (PUSDATIN Kemendikbudristek) (2025). Students with special needs in DKI Jakarta in 2025.
  4. Data from the Central Data and Information Centre of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (PUSDATIN Kemendikbudristek) (2025). Students with special needs in DKI Jakarta in 2025 (East Jakarta).
  5. Data from the Central Data and Information Centre of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (PUSDATIN Kemedikdasmen) in 2025 (2025).
  6. Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 72 of 1991 (2025). A person with intellectual disability is defined as an individual whose intelligence level is significantly below average, accompanied by limitations in adapting to the demands of their surrounding environment.
  7. American Association on Mental Deficiency (AAMD) (2025). & Grossman in Kirk and Gallagher (1986:116). Intellectual disability is a condition characterised by general intellectual functioning.
  8. Foundation for The Development of Children with Disabilities/YPAC Semarang (2025). Classification and Characteristics of Children with Intellectual Disabilities
  9. Department of Education and Culture (1989). School for students with special needs (SLB): educational institutions that provide educational programs for children with physical disabilities or children with disabilities.
  10. Directorate of Child Health Development (2010). The definition of a Special School (SLB) as a formal educational institution responsible for the learning process of children with special needs.
  11. Government Regulation Number 72 of 1991 (1991). Its classification system, the educational level of School for students with special needs (SLB) in Indonesia
  12. National Education Law Number 20/2003 Article 32 paragraph 1 (2003). Categorisation of School for students with special needs (SLB) based on their specialisation
  13. Standards of Regulations that have been implemented by the Minister of National Education, the Minister of State for Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Religious Affairs Number 50/x/pb/2011/spb/03/m.panrb/10/2011 (2011). Arrangement and Equitable Distribution of Civil Servant Teachers containing the number of teachers needed at School for students with special needs (SLB) Category C & C1
  14. Standards of Regulations that have been implemented by the Minister of National Education, the Minister of State for Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Religious Affairs Number 48 of 2011, 158/pmk.01/2011, Year 2011 (2011). Arrangement and Equitable Distribution of Civil Servant Teachers containing the number of teachers needed at School for students with special needs (SLB) C & C1
  15. Foundation for The Development of Children with Disabilities/YPAC Semarang (2025)
  16. Appendix I of the Regulation of the Director General of Basic and Secondary Education Number: 10/D/KR/2017 dated April 4, 2017 (2017). The curriculum structure for Special Elementary Schools (SDLB) levels C & C1, as regulated in this regulation, includes the curriculum structure, core competencies-basic competencies (KI-KD), and guidelines for implementing the 2013 Special Education Curriculum.
  17. National Education Department 2006 (2006). Self-Development Program Competency Standards for Special Elementary Schools (SDLB) C & C1
  18. National Education Department 2006 (2006). Self-Development & Skills Program Competency Standards for Special Secondary Schools (SMPLB) categories C & C1
  19. Minister of National Education Regulation No. 33 of 2008 (2008). Standards for Facilities and Infrastructure for Special Elementary Schools (SDLB), Special Secondary Schools (SMPLB) categories C & C1.
  20. Clovis Heimsath, AIA (1977). Behavioural Architecture, Towards an Accountable Design Process. New York: McGraw-Hill
  21. Carol Simon Weisten and Thomas G. David (1987). Architectural Principles and Behavioural Applications: Four Main Principles in Behavioural Architecture

Children with special needs (ABK) also have the same right to access education according to their capacity and needs. The education system in Indonesia still faces significant challenges, namely that it is not yet sufficient and does not optimally accommodate the needs of ABK. The observation method focused on individuals with intellectual disabilities, with analysis conducted on identified Behaviours of individuals with intellectual disabilities. For those with mild intellectual disabilities, they can read, perform simple calculations, write, and engage in other simple activities, with abilities equivalent to a normal 8-12 years old. For those with moderate intellectual disabilities, regular and continuous training is needed to perform activities, and only a small percentage can read, write, and count. Their intellectual abilities are more limited, they can be taught, and they have self-care skills and certain abilities equivalent to those of a normal 3-8 years old child. The principles of behavioural architecture in the Concept Design of a Special Needs School for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, applied according to their specific Behaviours, include Safety & Supervision, Safe Circulation Layout, Classroom Size & Space Ratio, Accessibility, Control of Motor Stimuli, Functional Zoning, Flexibility, Building Material & Finishing Material Selection, Easy-to-Understand Wayfinding, and Safe Evacuation Routes. The detailed concept of achieving the above 10 principles gave rise to the design of a Special School for Mild & Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, which is suitable for accommodating various student Behaviours, ensuring their safety, incorporating educational elements, and helping to improve their knowledge and skills.

Keywords : Children with Special Needs; Special Needs Children; Intellectual Disability; Design for Intellectual Disability; Special Education School; Behavioural Architecture; Behavioural Design.

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