At Oliver Heath Design, we believe the spaces we create should nurture every individual. Increasingly, conversations about neurodiversity are highlighting just how differently people experience the world around them. For some, a bustling open-plan office can spark creativity. For others, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where neuroinclusive spatial design comes in.
What is Neuroinclusive Design?
Neuroinclusive design considers the wide variety of ways people think, sense, and interact. It recognises that while one person may thrive in a lively environment, another may need calm, quiet, and predictability. Some examples of designing inclusively are:
• Offering choice and control, from lighting to acoustics.
• Creating legible, uncluttered layouts that reduce stress.
• Providing calm spaces to retreat and reset alongside more stimulating zones.
In short, it’s about designing environments that don’t just accommodate difference, they celebrate it.
Where Biophilic Design Fits In
Biophilic design, our innate connection with nature, shares many of the same goals in supporting the individual. Natural light, greenery, and organic textures help soothe the senses, restore focus, and lift our mood. For those more sensitive to their surroundings, nature-inspired spaces can make the difference between feeling drained and overwhelmed or feeling energised and engaged.
Some examples of biophilic interventions include:
1. Quiet Retreat Zones with Natural Views
• Feature: Small, enclosed workspaces or pods near windows overlooking greenery or gardens with operable blinds for those who prefer natural light reduction.
• Benefit: For someone sensitive to auditory or visual stimuli, these spaces provide refuge and allow focused work without distraction.
2. Tactile Materials and Textures
• Feature: Desks, wall panels, or seating with natural textures like wood, cork, or stone.
• Benefit: Supports tactile sensory input, which can be grounding for neurodivergent individuals who benefit from touch-based stimuli.
3. Adjustable Lighting
• Feature: Task lighting with dimming options and access to natural daylight.
• Benefit: Allows individuals to regulate light exposure, supporting focus and preventing overstimulation for those sensitive to glare or bright lights.
4. Zones for Movement or Exploration
• Feature: Circulation paths through plants, light changes, or gentle elevation shifts.
• Benefit: Supports neurodivergent individuals who are sensation seeking, giving controlled opportunities for movement or mild stimulation.
5. Acoustic Buffering Using Natural Elements
• Feature: Moss walls, wooden partitions, or indoor trees that absorb sound.
• Benefit: Reduces background noise, helping individuals with auditory sensitivity concentrate and avoid overstimulation.
Why Inclusive Design Matters - For People and Organisations
When we design with inclusivity and nature in mind, we create environments that work for the full diversity of minds and bodies. That means workplaces where neurodivergent employees feel supported, engaged, and able to do their best work. It also makes business sense: organisations that prioritise neuroinclusive design are better positioned to attract and retain neurodiverse talent, unlocking creativity, innovation, and a broader range of skills.
Sensory Mapping Plans
At Oliver Heath Design, we often create sensory mapping plans early in the design process. These maps help us highlight opportunities to address diverse sensory thresholds across a space, ensuring that areas can cater to a wide range of needs, from calm, quiet zones to more stimulating, engaging environments. By identifying where and how sensory experiences can be varied, we guide clients in creating spaces that are supportive, flexible, and inclusive for neurodivergent individuals.
A More Human Future
As designers, we have an opportunity to shape buildings and places that genuinely enhance lives. By weaving together neuroinclusive and biophilic principles, we can create environments that are not only beautiful but also deeply supportive of the people who use them.
After all, when we design for every mind and body, we design for a better world, one that thrives on the creativity, insight, and unique strengths of every individual. Inclusive spaces signal that all contributions are valued, boosting wellbeing, engagement, and loyalty. By embracing the full variety of human potential, organisations not only attract and retain top talent but also create workplaces that are better equipped to serve the diverse world around them.
Get in touch to find out more about sensory comfort mapping and how we can harness nature connections to create more inclusive, human centred and engaging spaces.
