Neurodiversity in the built environment - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:18, 24 February 2025

2025-02-24T07:18:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:18, 24 February 2025
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	* Flooring. For neurodiverse building occupants, excessive noise - or even certain types of noises - can elevate stress levels and disrupt (or even halt) productivity. Flooring can be used to manage excessive noise.		* Flooring. For neurodiverse building occupants, excessive noise - or even certain types of noises - can elevate stress levels and disrupt (or even halt) productivity. Flooring can be used to manage excessive noise.
	* Wayfinding. People with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. Additional measures may include lighting and flooring effects.		* Wayfinding. People with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. Additional measures may include lighting and flooring effects.
		+
		+	= TG 10 Wellbeing in Buildings =
		+
		+	[https://www.bsria.com/uk/product/rqJkjn/wellbeing_in_buildings_tg_102025_a15d25e1 TG 10 Wellbeing in Buildings, A BSRIA topic guide], written by Sorcha Redmond and published in January 20205 states:
		+
		+	Neurodiversity describes the natural variation in human brains. When a person’s brain processes, learns, or behaves differently from what is considered "typical," this is referred to as "neurodivergence." Examples of neurodivergent conditions include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia (also known as developmental coordination disorder, or DCD).
		+
		+	Optimising buildings for these groups can significantly enhance their wellbeing, providing a sense of safety, psychological comfort in the workplace, and an overall improved quality of life. Designing buildings with neurodiversity in mind involves creating environments that accommodate a range of sensory, cognitive, and social needs, enhancing accessibility and comfort and overall wellbeing.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =
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	* BSI, [https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2020-00234#/section PAS 6463 Built Environment Design for conditions of the Mind].		* BSI, [https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2020-00234#/section PAS 6463 Built Environment Design for conditions of the Mind].
	* Harvey Blume, ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]'.		* Harvey Blume, ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]'.
		+	* [https://www.bsria.com/uk/product/rqJkjn/wellbeing_in_buildings_tg_102025_a15d25e1 TG 10 Wellbeing in Buildings, A BSRIA topic guide], written by Sorcha Redmond and published in January 20205.

	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:People]]		[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:People]]

Editor at 12:05, 13 January 2022

2022-01-13T12:05:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:05, 13 January 2022
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	* Wayfinding. People with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. Additional measures may include lighting and flooring effects.		* Wayfinding. People with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. Additional measures may include lighting and flooring effects.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Accessibility in the built environment.		* Accessibility in the built environment.
	* British Standards Institution BSI.		* British Standards Institution BSI.
	* Equality Act.		* Equality Act.
		+	* Government offers support package to help autistic people into work.
	* People with disabilities definition.		* People with disabilities definition.
	* Wayfinding.		* Wayfinding.
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	* Harvey Blume, ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]'.		* Harvey Blume, ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]'.

−	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:~~People~~]] [[Category:~~Standards_/_measurements~~]] [[Category:~~Construction_techniques~~]] [[Category:~~Design~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:People]]

Editor at 12:06, 23 April 2021

2021-04-23T12:06:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 23 April 2021
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	* Accessibility in the built environment.		* Accessibility in the built environment.
	* British Standards Institution BSI.		* British Standards Institution BSI.
−	* Considering diversity in design.
	* Equality Act.		* Equality Act.
	* People with disabilities definition.		* People with disabilities definition.

Editor at 11:51, 23 April 2021

2021-04-23T11:51:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:51, 23 April 2021
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	* Accessibility in the built environment.		* Accessibility in the built environment.
	* British Standards Institution BSI.		* British Standards Institution BSI.
		+	* Considering diversity in design.
	* Equality Act.		* Equality Act.
	* People with disabilities definition.		* People with disabilities definition.

Designing Buildings at 07:31, 16 March 2021

2021-03-16T07:31:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:31, 16 March 2021
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	\| [[File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png\|link=File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png]]		\| [[File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png\|link=File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png]]
	\|-		\|-
−	\| Neurodiversity ~~itself~~ is a biological fact: all brains are different. The neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance and inclusion of people with different neurotypes. This includes autistic people, people with ADHD, people with dyslexia and ~~more~~.	+	\| Neurodiversity is a biological fact: all brains are different. The neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance and inclusion of people with different neurotypes. This includes autistic people, people with ADHD, people with dyslexia and so on.
	\|}		\|}

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	= History =		= History =

−	The term neurodiversity was first introduced by an Australian sociologist ~~named~~ Judy Singer~~. The concept was examined in Blume’s sociology honors thesis which was formally presented in 1998~~. The term was further examined by the journalist Harvey Blume, who covered the subject in ~~an article entitled,~~ ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]’, published in The Atlantic in 1998.	+	The term neurodiversity was first introduced by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer. The term was further examined by the journalist Harvey Blume, who covered the subject in ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]’, published in The Atlantic in 1998.

−	Since the introduction of the term, neurodiversity has become an ~~area~~ of diversity and inclusion ~~that is~~ recognised ~~within~~ the context of employment and the workplace. The alternative thinking styles associated with it are protected by the Equality Act 2010. ~~This~~ Act protects individuals against ~~disability~~ discrimination for issues ~~often~~ referred to as 'hidden disabilities' and provides legal protection in the built environment, the workplace and in wider society.	+	Since the introduction of the term, neurodiversity has become an aspect of diversity and inclusion recognised in the context of employment and the workplace. The alternative thinking styles associated with it are protected by the Equality Act 2010. The Act protects individuals against discrimination for issues including those sometimes referred to as 'hidden disabilities' and provides legal protection in the built environment, the workplace and in wider society.

	= BSI guidance on neurodiversity =		= BSI guidance on neurodiversity =
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	= Reducing excessive stimuli in the built environment =		= Reducing excessive stimuli in the built environment =

−	Workspace environments will need to change in order to support the needs of the neurodiverse workforce. Three physical attributes in particular will provide the neurodiverse community with a physical environment that is more accommodating~~. These include~~:	+	Workspace environments will need to change in order to support the needs of the neurodiverse workforce. Three physical attributes in particular will provide the neurodiverse community with a physical environment that is more accommodating:

−	Lighting. Different light intensities have an impact on how every person handles a task. It can have a greater impact when neurodiversity is a factor, sometimes making it extremely difficult to complete tasks unless a suitable degree of visual comfort is provided.	+	* Lighting. Different light intensities have an impact on how every person handles a task. It can have a greater impact when neurodiversity is a factor, sometimes making it extremely difficult to complete tasks unless a suitable degree of visual comfort is provided.
−		+	* Flooring. For neurodiverse building occupants, excessive noise - or even certain types of noises - can elevate stress levels and disrupt (or even halt) productivity. Flooring can be used to manage excessive noise.
−	Flooring. For neurodiverse building occupants, excessive noise - or even certain types of noises - can elevate stress levels and disrupt (or even halt) productivity. ~~Proper flooring~~ can be used to ~~produce acoustics that are better at managing~~ excessive noise.	+	* Wayfinding. People with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. Additional measures may include lighting and flooring effects.
−		+
−	Wayfinding. ~~Becoming disoriented in a large building is not something that happens solely to neurodiverse building users. However, people~~ with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. ~~Successful wayfinding measures should take this into consideration in order to reduce disorientation or anxiety. These~~ measures may include lighting and flooring.	+

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor at 15:39, 15 March 2021

2021-03-15T15:39:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 15 March 2021
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	In October 2020, BSI announced plans to create the first set of guidance for the design of the built environment to include the needs of people who experience sensory and neurological processing difficulties and/or differences. This includes neurodivergent, neurodegenerative and other neurological conditions which may affect sensory processing and mental wellbeing.		In October 2020, BSI announced plans to create the first set of guidance for the design of the built environment to include the needs of people who experience sensory and neurological processing difficulties and/or differences. This includes neurodivergent, neurodegenerative and other neurological conditions which may affect sensory processing and mental wellbeing.

−	PAS 6463, ~~‘Design~~ for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide,’ will provide information for designers, planners, specifiers, facilities managers and decision makers on particular design features which can make public places more inclusive for everyone. The guide will include, in particular, an examination of the benefits of reducing the potential for sensory overload, anxiety or distress. It will address sensory design considerations including lighting, acoustics, flooring and décor.	+	PAS 6463, ‘[https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2020-00234#/section Design for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide],’ will provide information for designers, planners, specifiers, facilities managers and decision makers on particular design features which can make public places more inclusive for everyone. The guide will include, in particular, an examination of the benefits of reducing the potential for sensory overload, anxiety or distress. It will address sensory design considerations including lighting, acoustics, flooring and décor.

	The standard is being developed by a steering group of experts in the built environment, transportation, planning and neurodiversity fields. It is sponsored by Transport for London (TfL), Forbo Flooring Systems, BuroHappold and the BBC.		The standard is being developed by a steering group of experts in the built environment, transportation, planning and neurodiversity fields. It is sponsored by Transport for London (TfL), Forbo Flooring Systems, BuroHappold and the BBC.
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	= External resources =		= External resources =

		+	* BSI, [https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2020-00234#/section PAS 6463 Built Environment Design for conditions of the Mind].
	* Harvey Blume, ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]'.		* Harvey Blume, ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]'.

	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:People]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]		[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:People]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]

Editor at 15:37, 15 March 2021

2021-03-15T15:37:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:37, 15 March 2021
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	{\|		{\|
−	\| [[File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png]]	+	\| [[File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png\|link=File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| Neurodiversity itself is a biological fact: all brains are different. The neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance and inclusion of people with different neurotypes. This includes autistic people, people with ADHD, people with dyslexia and more.		\| Neurodiversity itself is a biological fact: all brains are different. The neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance and inclusion of people with different neurotypes. This includes autistic people, people with ADHD, people with dyslexia and more.
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	Flooring. For neurodiverse building occupants, excessive noise - or even certain types of noises - can elevate stress levels and disrupt (or even halt) productivity. Proper flooring can be used to produce acoustics that are better at managing excessive noise.		Flooring. For neurodiverse building occupants, excessive noise - or even certain types of noises - can elevate stress levels and disrupt (or even halt) productivity. Proper flooring can be used to produce acoustics that are better at managing excessive noise.

−	Wayfinding. Becoming disoriented in a large building is not something that happens solely to neurodiverse building users. However, people with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. Successful wayfinding measures should take this into consideration in order to reduce disorientation or anxiety.	+	Wayfinding. Becoming disoriented in a large building is not something that happens solely to neurodiverse building users. However, people with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. Successful wayfinding measures should take this into consideration in order to reduce disorientation or anxiety. These measures may include lighting and flooring.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* Accessibility in the built environment.
		+	* British Standards Institution BSI.
		+	* Equality Act.
		+	* People with disabilities definition.
		+	* Wayfinding.

	= External resources =		= External resources =

Editor: Created page with "{| | File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png |- | Neurodiversity itself is a biological fact: all brains are different. The neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance and inclu..."

2021-03-15T15:31:15Z

Created page with "{| | File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png |- | Neurodiversity itself is a biological fact: all brains are different. The neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance and inclu..."

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{|
| [[File:NeurodiversityInfinity.png]]
|-
| Neurodiversity itself is a biological fact: all brains are different. The neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance and inclusion of people with different neurotypes. This includes autistic people, people with ADHD, people with dyslexia and more.
|}

= Introduction =

Neurodiversity refers to the wide range of differences in the manner in which the human brain processes information. It refers to alternative thinking styles, such as dyslexia, autism, ADHD and dyspraxia.

= History =

The term neurodiversity was first introduced by an Australian sociologist named Judy Singer. The concept was examined in Blume’s sociology honors thesis which was formally presented in 1998. The term was further examined by the journalist Harvey Blume, who covered the subject in an article entitled, ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]’, published in The Atlantic in 1998.

Since the introduction of the term, neurodiversity has become an area of diversity and inclusion that is recognised within the context of employment and the workplace. The alternative thinking styles associated with it are protected by the Equality Act 2010. This Act protects individuals against disability discrimination for issues often referred to as 'hidden disabilities' and provides legal protection in the built environment, the workplace and in wider society.

= BSI guidance on neurodiversity =

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is the UK National Standards Body (NSB). The BSI publishes standards and provides a range of books, self-assessment tools, conferences and training services.

In October 2020, BSI announced plans to create the first set of guidance for the design of the built environment to include the needs of people who experience sensory and neurological processing difficulties and/or differences. This includes neurodivergent, neurodegenerative and other neurological conditions which may affect sensory processing and mental wellbeing.

PAS 6463, ‘Design for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide,’ will provide information for designers, planners, specifiers, facilities managers and decision makers on particular design features which can make public places more inclusive for everyone. The guide will include, in particular, an examination of the benefits of reducing the potential for sensory overload, anxiety or distress. It will address sensory design considerations including lighting, acoustics, flooring and décor.

The standard is being developed by a steering group of experts in the built environment, transportation, planning and neurodiversity fields. It is sponsored by Transport for London (TfL), Forbo Flooring Systems, BuroHappold and the BBC.

= Reducing excessive stimuli in the built environment =

Workspace environments will need to change in order to support the needs of the neurodiverse workforce. Three physical attributes in particular will provide the neurodiverse community with a physical environment that is more accommodating. These include:

Lighting. Different light intensities have an impact on how every person handles a task. It can have a greater impact when neurodiversity is a factor, sometimes making it extremely difficult to complete tasks unless a suitable degree of visual comfort is provided.

Flooring. For neurodiverse building occupants, excessive noise - or even certain types of noises - can elevate stress levels and disrupt (or even halt) productivity. Proper flooring can be used to produce acoustics that are better at managing excessive noise.

Wayfinding. Becoming disoriented in a large building is not something that happens solely to neurodiverse building users. However, people with neurodiversity may process navigational information in a non-traditional way, so standard wayfinding may not be sufficient. Successful wayfinding measures should take this into consideration in order to reduce disorientation or anxiety.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

= External resources =

* Harvey Blume, ‘[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1998/09/neurodiversity/305909/ Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom]'.

[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:People]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]