Design for the Mind: Neurodiversity and the Built Environment - Toar Sadia, Inclusive Design Consultant, Buro Happold

This talk will explore the design of inclusive learning environments from the perspective of neurodiversity. It will discuss how the diversity of neurocognitive and sensory profiles may impact how we experience the environment and as such, what we need from the environment in order to be supported in our activities and health.

Buro Happold’s Inclusive Design team have authored a first of its kind BSI PAS guide - Design for the mind - Neurodiversity and the built environment, which is to be published this month (October 2022). It includes guidance for both design and management of the built environment for neurodiversity and is a first step towards a formal standard. PAS 6463 provides information for designers, planners, specifiers, facilities managers and decision-makers, and places people at the heart of the design process. It acknowledges that human diversity and difference exists everywhere, and offers dignity, autonomy, choices, spontaneity, and provides for flexibility in use.

Design for the mind: IN PRACTICE - Claire Barton, Partner, Haverstock

Claire Barton from Haverstock will complement the discussion given by Toar Sadia by discussing examples of completed and on the drawing board design within educational settings that demonstrates that the BSI PAS Guide can be achieved in practice. The talk will consider key headings from the PAS Guide: sightlines, wayfinding, access to nature, biophilic design, clarity and familiarity of space, services design and colour and discuss how this can be achieved to offer genuinely inclusive environments.