Empowering spaces: Incorporating neurodiverse design

Designing spaces that cater to a diverse range of needs is no longer a niche consideration, it’s a vital approach to shaping the future of design. As reported by Monash Health, one in eight Australians are neurodivergent. As a result, human-centred design approaches are becoming increasingly important to ensure all people feel comfortable in their environment.

Neurodiverse design principles aim to create inclusive, adaptable spaces that accommodate individuals with various neurological conditions including autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders. Key elements include sensory modulation through adjustable lighting, sound control, and calming colour schemes. Flexible layouts offer both quiet and collaborative areas, with clear wayfinding and decluttered environments helping to reduce stress. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements to create a calming ambience, while providing spaces to retreat and adaptive features empower users to control their environment.

Incorporating these principles in our design language ensures that spaces are accessible, comfortable, and supportive, enhancing wellbeing and productivity for everyone, regardless of neurotype

In Brisbane, Cromwell Property Group’s Global Head Office is conceived as a workplace that celebrates the ‘Cromwell Lifestyle’. The workspace is an emotional response to the diverse requirements of people, enhancing employee wellbeing and supporting numerous work typologies.

Diverse user needs were addressed by incorporating varied settings, such as collaborative zones, focus rooms, a sunroom, a library, wellness rooms, and a multifaith room. This allows each staff member to find a space that suits their work styles, enhancing productivity and comfort.

Biophilic design also helps neurodiverse employees by creating calming environments that reduce stress and anxiety through natural elements such as light, organic materials and planting. The inclusion of nature throughout the workspace enhances focus and productivity, especially for those sensitive to overstimulation, by offering a more peaceful, sensory-friendly space.

Other recently completed workspaces include head offices for Abacus Property Group and SMEC, both based in Sydney. Abacus features a retreat space in the prime corner of the floor, designed to meet staff sensory needs with high accessibility and appeal. At SMEC, meeting rooms create a calming atmosphere with soft drapery along the walls and integrated planting in the meeting tables.

Neurodiverse design elements are also a critical consideration in education projects, helping to foster an inclusive environment that supports varied learning needs. This approach helps students of all ages and abilities thrive by offering spaces that reduce sensory overload, promote focus, and enhance overall well-being.

Throsby Primary School in Canberra delivers bright and engaging educational facilities that support a range of behavioural and intellectual learning needs. A pedagogy-driven approach resulted in the implementation of ‘learning neighbourhoods,’ providing a variety of adaptable room sizes that offer many opportunities for focused learning and creative exploration.

These considered open spaces are offset by quiet nooks in each classroom, where students can withdraw when feeling overwhelmed. The open setting at the top of each nook allows children to break away from the class while still feeling connected to their peers, with the secluded cave below offering complete privacy for emotional regulation.

Similar principles were implemented across the recently completed Coburg Special Developmental School and Hamilton Parklands School, both of which cater to students with intellectual disabilities, sensory and physical impairments, and autism spectrum disorder. The design of Coburg Special Developmental School incorporates quiet retreat spaces in classrooms and specialist spaces to offer students the tools to practice functional independence. Meanwhile, Hamilton Parklands School utilises the outdoor space to create an engaging sensory environment for students to let off energy within sight of staff.

Integrating neurodiverse design elements into workspace and education architecture is essential in fostering a brighter and more inclusive future. By considering the complex needs of all end-users throughout the design process, we enrich our communities and create spaces that empower everyone to thrive. Explore more of Gray Puksand’s innovative workspace and education projects here.

Empowering spaces: Incorporating neurodiverse design

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