How neuroinclusive design and sensory built environments are shaping the future of planning

What are sensory built environments? 

According to the Neurodiversity in Planning’s recently launched Designing for Neurodiversity booklet, around 15-20% of the world’s population is estimated to be neurodivergent. 

For these individuals, urban environments can sometimes pose challenges that most people do not experience to the same degree or at all – with a variety of sights, sounds and smells that can become overwhelming.

Sensory built environments recognise and support neurodiverse sensory needs through thoughtful design and implementation in order to consider how people perceive, understand and experience spaces through their senses.

What are the key principles of neuroinclusive design? 

There are many ways in which spaces can be designed with sensory experiences in mind, ranging from small-scale changes to large-scale proposals. 

Key principles include:

• The ability to have choice and control
• Access to clearly identifiable quiet zones in busier areas
• Simple and consistent features with clear wayfinding and spatial clarity
• Physically accessible spaces that are free from clutter and are separate from any vehicles
• Nature-based solutions such as planting, wildlife and water features

The eight senses typically addressed in sensory built environments are: sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, the vestibular system (balance and movement), proprioception (body awareness) and interoception (internal sensations).

Sensory built environments in practice

Designing spaces in a way that ensures flexibility and recognises the requirements of a range of individuals creates a more user-focused experience and impacts how someone chooses to engage with a space.

Measures could include:

• Sight – appropriate shading and sheltering to reduce sun sensitivity and bright lights and/or a clear arrangement of street furniture to reduce contrasting colours and visual clutter
• Hearing – planting vegetation to screen and minimise background noise, as well as insulation within buildings to reduce background noise or sensitivities to certain frequencies
• Touch – increased vegetation/tree planting to provide shade and cool areas or offering a variety of seating options comprised of different material textures
• Smell – the inclusion of isolated sensory gardens within a development, incorporating a diverse range of plants, materials and features
• Taste – provision of varied dining environments to encourage choice
• Vestibular (balance and movement) – clear wayfinding using logical, consistent, and predictable layouts with simple signage. Proposals could incorporate designated quiet zones and low-stimulus areas to create calm
• Proprioceptive (body awareness) – spaces with clear boundaries and minimal visual/physical clutter
• ·    Interoceptive (internal sensations) – supportive environments such as community halls with easy access to amenities such as toilet facilities and water stations

The future of planning

Built environment professionals – including planners, urban designers, architects and developers – play a key role in shaping how an area is perceived, understood and experienced.

As neuroinclusive design gains traction in literature, research and government policy, the focus on sensory built environments will only grow.

Designing with neurodiversity and sensory experiences in mind ensures the built environment caters to a broader range of human experiences – ultimately providing feelings of greater comfort, familiarity, wellbeing, accessibility and safety to create sustainable developments fit for the future.

Further information

Contact Jade Barrett