New design guidelines have been published aimed at improving the built environment for people living with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dementia.

The guidance, from the British Standards Institution (BSI), is contained within the new standard, PAS 6463, Design for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide, and applies to buildings and external spaces for public and commercial use, as well as residential accommodation for independent or supported living.

It is aimed at building designers and planners to improve the lives of those with neurodivergence conditions and a range of other sensory and/or information processing differences – something that affects one in seven people in the UK.

Inclusive design

Commenting on the first-of-its-kind document, Scott Steedman, director general of standards at BSI, said: “Everyone deserves to experience the built environment in a way that supports their general wellbeing and generates better health outcomes.

“The new guidance within PAS 6463 fills a gap in design practice by addressing the needs of people whose minds process information and experiences differently, extending the benefit of inclusive design to a new and important community.

“With PAS 6463, designers can now benefit from guidance on lighting, décor, acoustics, and layout to support neurodiverse users of buildings and infrastructure.”

A significant number of people find elements of the built environment uncomfortable, distressing, or a barrier to their use.

For example, when interacting with the built environment, neurodivergent and neurodegenerative people can frequently experience ‘sensory overload’, overstimulation of the body’s senses leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. 

Everyone deserves to experience the built environment in a way that supports their general wellbeing and generates better health outcomes

“The increased demand on an individual of the associated cognitive load can unsurprisingly lead to increased anxiety, fatigue and, in some cases, poor mental health.”

PAS 6463 aims to assist building designers in mitigating and eliminating these negative impacts.

Jean Hewitt, a senior member of the inclusive design team at Buro Happold and technical author of the PAS, said: “In addition to designing places to accommodate our diversity in form, size, and physical ability, there is also a profound need to design for neurological difference. 

“Since my first involvement in this area in 2009, I have hoped for some progress for the many neurodivergent colleagues, friends, and family whose lives are unnecessarily blighted by places that don’t work for them.

Relieving stress

“Some have a formal diagnosis, but many do not; there are also many neurotypical people more mildly but regularly affected by environments on a day-to-day basis, perhaps triggering unsteadiness, migraines, or experiencing extra daily stress through elements that are not intuitive or comfortable for them.

“My learning throughout the process of developing this PAS leads me to believe at least 30% of the population are negatively impacted by elements that could so easily be adjusted or eliminated during design, procurement, and management without any cost implications.

“This PAS is an opportunity to ask everyone involved in the built environment to carefully consider this normal neurological diversity of humans rather than just meeting basic regulatory demands - places should be comfortable for everyone to visit and use without encountering emotional distress or difficulty.”

The launch of this new standard is an important and huge step forward for the industry and we look forward to seeing how designers use this guidance to create truly-inclusive and positive spaces

The guidance has been put together in conjunction with suppliers and major employers including the BBC and Transport for London (TfL).

Karen Wilding, marketing communications manager for Forbo Flooring Systems, a flooring manufacturer which works within the health and care sector and contributed to the guidance, said: “At Forbo, we believe in creating better environments; spaces that have a positive impact on the planet and, most importantly, people, which is why we are proud to have supported the development of the new BSI standard, PAS 6463.

“Through our previous work and experience with the Dementia Services Development Centre, we know the positive impact that informed design considerations, such as tonal contrasts, can have on the way people use, interact with, and respond to a space.

“As such, the launch of this new standard is an important and huge step forward for the industry and we look forward to seeing how designers use this guidance to create truly-inclusive and positive spaces.”

Better for everyone

Simone West, TfL’s inclusive design advisor, added: “TfL is proud to have played a pivotal role and contributed from a transport viewpoint in steering the production of this design guideline and standard.

“We hope that this is just the beginning and that research can continue to contribute to increasing our knowledge and understanding of what makes environments better for everyone.

“As a public body whose services are used by millions of people, we understand the importance of ensuring better built environments for neurodivergent customers and colleagues.”

The 148-page document covers a number of key design issues including site and building layout, wayfinding, external spaces and access, acoustics and noise management, surface finishes, light and reflection, and fixtures, fittings, and furniture.

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