Mapping Perceived Interrelationships Among Biophilic Design Factors for ASD-Sensitive Special Education Environments: A DEMATEL-Based Study

Abstract Biophilic design and green transition spaces are increasingly discussed in the context of inclusive and special education environments. However, the perception of the contribution of such spatial factors to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-sensitive learning environments in the Indian context is understudied. Previous research tends to general assertions about benefits of nature-based design, but little focus is placed on the relationships between environmental, cognitive, behavioural and spatial design factors. The purpose of this study is to map the perceived relationships among selected biophilic design factors associated with green transitional spaces in ASD-sensitive special education settings. A review of the literature identified 22 factors related to green transitional spaces which were categorized into four dimensions: Environmental Factors, Cognitive and Psychological Factors, Social and Behavioural Factors and Design and Spatial Factors. In the first phase, the factors were ranked based on perception responses from 131 adult stakeholders in special education environments. In the second phase, the top fifteen factors were evaluated by seven experts using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to explore perceived causal relations among selected factors. The findings indicate that biophilic elements, ambient comfort, natural light, flexible learning spaces, exposure to nature, attention restoration, and intuitive navigation are perceived as important factors in ASD-sensitive educational environments. The DEMATEL results suggest that green transitional spaces may support perceived spatial comfort, sensory regulation, movement clarity, and attentional restoration. The study does not claim direct measurement of children’s cognitive, behavioural, or social outcomes. Instead, it provides a perception-based and expert-informed framework for integrating biophilic design principles into ASD-sensitive special education infrastructure in India.