Directors Ed Hayden and Beatriz Gonzalez explore how to create workspaces that enhance everyone's opportunity to thrive.

Neurodiversity is the term used to describe the variation in neurocognitive profiles across the whole population and the guidance in PAS6463:2022 Design for the Mind- Neurodiversity and the built environment- Guide- How to create a sensory inclusive environment is about us all. It is not about one condition, difficulty or difference. The term recognises the variety in the way we speak, think, move, act and communicate; that human brains are diverse and vary. Each one of us has a unique set of different connections with our billions of nerve cells. As a consequence, the way we interact with our environment can vary from person to person.

The requirements placed on modern office space have evolved significantly in recent years to better accommodate neurodiversity in the workplace. There is a greater emphasis on creating a flexible and inclusive working areas that can accommodate the needs of a diverse workforce. This is particularly important when it comes to addressing the needs of neurodivergent individuals, who have sensory information and processing differences, many of whom experience hypersensitivity to some elements in the built environment. We have developed a series of projects which should enable everyone to thrive, and we explore some of the key design considerations incorporated.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the human brain and nervous system –collectively we are all neurodiverse. Neurodiversity is an important consideration in the design of modern office space, as it has the potential to affect an individual's ability to perform their job effectively.

“There is a very wide spectrum of how each individual is affected by the built environment”

One of the key challenges in designing for neurodiversity is creating a workspace that is both inclusive and accommodating for all neurocognitive profiles, ensuring that the workspace is conducive to collaboration and productivity for all.

One way that modern office space design is responding appropriately to neurodiversity in the workplace, is through the use of flexible design. A key consideration in the design of modern office space is the creation of an adaptable work environment. This allows individuals to work in a way that is comfortable and conducive to their specific preferences or needs. For example, an office space may include a variety of different types of workspace, such as quiet zones for those who require a peaceful environment to focus, and collaborative spaces for people  who thrive in a more social setting.

This can be achieved by creating a workspace that can be easily reconfigured to meet the needs of individual employees, as well as the changing needs of the organization. This can include the use of modular furniture, movable walls, and other design elements that allow for easy reconfiguration of the workspace.

Another important factor in the design of modern office space is the option to use of technology to support different requirements. This can include the use of assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software or tools that assist with organization and task management. Technology has the potential to greatly assist some neurodivergent people . For example, text-to-speech software can help individuals with dyslexia to more easily read and comprehend written material, while video conferencing tools can assist individuals who do not flourish in face to face communications.

In addition to these technological solutions, modern office space design is also incorporating sensory-friendly elements that can help to create a more inclusive and accommodating workspace. This can include the use of calming or muted colours, soft lighting, and other design elements that can help to reduce potential sensory challenges and create a more comfortable and inviting workspace. In addition, office space may be designed to support individuals with sensory processing differences such as hypersensitivity, such as by incorporating soft lighting and the use of sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise levels.

In addition to physical design elements, modern office space is also being designed with the social and emotional needs of a neurodiverse workforce. This may include the provision of support and resources for employees, such as training on neurodiversity and the use of assistive technology, as well as the creation of an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

One of the key benefits of incorporating neurodiversity-friendly design elements into modern office space is that it can help to create a more inclusive and welcoming workspace for all employees. By providing accommodations and resources that cater for neurodiversity, organizations can foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture, which has the potential to improve overall morale and productivity for everyone.

A leading quantitative research and technology firm have successfully implemented these design principles.  Their office space is designed to support collaboration, focus work and innovation, with a focus on providing support and structure to support neurodiversity. This includes the use of assistive technology, as well as regular training and support for employees and their managers.

“The organisation thrives on whiteboarding, Collaborating and innovation with purpose. Our ways of working have matured and understand that we need to get a collaborative environment that works. The collaboration within and across teams means so much to us now.”

In conclusion, the design of modern office space is increasingly taking into account the potential needs of a neurodiverse workforce, with a focus on creating a flexible and adaptable workspace that can accommodate a diverse range of employee requirements and preferences. Through the use of technology, sensory-friendly design elements, and other accommodations, modern office space design is responding well, creating a more inclusive and welcoming workspace allowing all employees to grow and thrive.

A note on terminology

We are all Neurodiverse. Neurodiversity encompasses the whole population and includes diverse neurocognitive profiles, so an individual is not neurodiverse.

A comprehensive list of terms and definitions is provided in PAS6463:2022 Design for the Mind- Neurodiversity and the built environment- Guide- How to create a sensory inclusive environment” which is currently available to download free of charge from the BSI website - view here.

With thanks to Jean Hewitt, Buro Happold | Inclusive Design, author of PAS6463:2022