Event Recap: Exploring neuro-inclusive environments
Everyone鈥檚 brain works differently, yet this diversity in the human mind is often overlooked in our built environment. As a result, many building users may feel excluded, struggle to participate, or have their productivity significantly impacted. By embedding science-led neuro-inclusivity design principles, we can help create environments that benefit everyone.
In April 2025, our specialists led an online masterclass and introduced our new service offer, neuro-inclusive environments.
The new service offer comprises three different teams: inclusive environments, acoustics and lighting. We were joined by specialists from each of these teams to share their insights into how we can create neuro-inclusive environments that cater to the diverse needs of all building users.鈥�
Approximately 15-20% of the UK population experiences some degree of sensory processing differences, leading to daily challenges and negative impacts from buildings and urban spaces that fail to accommodate their needs.
Embedding these principles can improve staff attraction and retention, increase productivity, provoke innovative thinking, reduce absenteeism, and enhance wellbeing.
Our Specialists
Ben Channon, Head of Inclusive Environments, 爱豆传媒
Jean Hewitt, Associate, Inclusive Environments, 爱豆传媒
Farhad Rahim, Associate Director, Lighting, 爱豆传媒
Daniel Bailey, Associate, Acoustic Consultant, 爱豆传媒
Our Guest Speaker
Tricia Smikle, Director, CEO Office, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
爱豆传媒 presents ‘Neuro-Inclusive Environments’
What did we learn
Inclusive Environments
First, we heard from Jean Hewitt, Technical Lead for Inclusive Environments and technical author of the BSI PAS 6463 standard. Jean explained that approximately 70% of individuals diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition will experience hypersensitivity through one or more of the senses. Hypersensitivity can cause individuals to experience their environment in an intensified physical way, which can lead to sensory overload and trigger a fight or flight response.
On the contrary, individuals may experience hyposensitivity, where they seek additional sensory stimulation, such as bright colours or loud music. It is possible for an individual to be both hypersensitive and hyposensitive, for example they may seek out visual engagement but try to block out the noise in the background.
The session explored how the PAS focuses primarily on hypersensitivity, due to the fact that in most cases hyposensitive adults can seek out sensory experiences. They may do this by using fidget jewellery, headphones with music, certain colours or items on their desk, whereas for a hypersensitive individual, when the environment is too much, this can be more challenging to fix.
There are three overarching concepts we focus on when creating neuro-inclusive environments: clarity, choice and calm. Clarity involves giving information in advance. Choice focuses on the options we can give, such as collaborative spaces, or adjustable spaces. And calm is ensuring there are quiet spaces to focus and recover, with additional measures in place.
Acoustics
We then explored the challenges neurodivergent individuals encounter related to sensory processing. First, we focused on noise with Daniel Bailey, Associate Acoustics Consultant, who flagged that heightened sensitivity can involve not just noise levels but also tone and intermittency.
An issue Daniel discussed was the effect of an echoey office environment, which can quickly lead to sensory overload. As a result of this, neurodivergent individuals may naturally avoid these areas. This is known as sensory avoidance. We also delved into the phenomenon known as the Lombard effect, which can be applied to open plan offices, where people will start to talk over each other, and increasingly become louder. Without the correct acoustic interventions this can lead to challenges in an individual鈥檚 capacity to work and learn, or even to want to use the space. By having an enhanced acoustic environment, the sensory overload can be reduced, and concentration and productivity can be improved, as well as comfort and inclusivity.
Lighting
Along with acoustics, lighting can also have a significant impact on individuals with both hypo- and hypersensitivity. Farhad Rahim, UK Lighting Associate Director, discussed key issues including intensity, glare and flicker and the impact they have, along with some of the ways to mitigate them. For example, avoiding bright light sources such as overhead lighting, and being aware that whilst daylight is beneficial, it will need to be controlled so that there are no harsh shadows or glare. The colour of lighting is also important; neurodivergent individuals tend to prefer warmer colours. It is also key to ensure that flicker is eliminated, which can be caused by an incompatibility between controls and the light source. Finally, Farhad explained that when considering effective lighting design, it is important to obtain feedback from neurodivergent individuals to understand their needs and discomforts and to then provide a response.
