The Calm Zone, designed as part of the Autism Friendly University Initiative (AFUI), featured in the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale in a show titled “Autistic Imaginaries of Architectural Space'', which showcased architecture through the lens of autism. The Calm Zone has been recognised as an example of architecture that has incorporated the principles of autism-friendly design as outlined in the ASPECTSS Design Index.  The Venice Architecture Biennale is one of the oldest and most prestigious international architecture exhibitions and the inclusion of the Calm Zone represents a huge achievement for all involved in its design and development.  

UCC won a number of awards at the 2021 Education Awards, including 'Best Campus'. We were delighted that the judges highlighted the UCC Autism Friendly University Initiative as a particularily impressive element of the submission.

World Autism Day is the 2nd of April, and to mark the occasion we have spoken to some autistic UCC students about their experiences getting involved with student life, and they share the advice they have for others who want to get more involved. We also have a chat with Dr Cat Hughes, an autistic researcher who was diagnosed with autism during her PhD and she shares her experiences as an autistic person in both higher education and employment, as well as how and why she celebrates World Autism Day.