Widening the Bandwidth of Perception: A CPD on Neurodiversity

Description

Overview

In today’s architecture, inclusivity means more than meeting accessibility codes — it requires understanding how people perceive and experience space.

This CPD explores the intersection of neurodiversity, sensory design, and material specification, helping architects and designers create environments that feel as good as they function.

Through the lens of perception as a design material, the session examines how light, colour, texture, and sound influence comfort, focus, and wellbeing — and how small specification changes can transform the experience of neurodivergent users.

It also shows how these principles align with hygiene, durability, and sustainability requirements, demonstrating that inclusive, perceptually tuned environments are both practical and high-performing.

Content Overview

Participants will learn how to:

• Understand perception as a design parameter — beyond physical access and compliance.
• Apply sensory inclusion principles to lighting, material, and colour specification.
• Recognise how neurodiverse users process environmental stimuli differently.
• Identify design features that cause sensory overload or underload, and how to balance them.
• Specify surfaces and systems that support both hygiene and perceptual comfort.
• Integrate perceptual design with industry standards including BS 8300, Part M, BB 102, and HTM 08-03.
• Explore sector applications in education, healthcare, public/transport, retail, and food environments.
• Understand how co-design and feedback from neurodivergent users enhance inclusion.
• See case studies demonstrating measurable improvements in wellbeing, usability, and satisfaction.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this CPD, participants will be able to:

1. Define perception as a factor in inclusive design and explain its impact on user wellbeing.
2. Identify sensory and cognitive barriers within built environments.
3. Apply design and specification strategies to balance visual, tactile, and acoustic comfort.
4. Recognise how surface, colour, and lighting choices affect neurodiverse users.
5. Integrate perceptual inclusion principles within current UK design standards and procurement frameworks.
6. Specify hygienic, sustainable materials that also promote sensory calm and clarity.

Compliance and Relevance

This CPD supports the latest RIBA and Building Regulations guidance on Inclusive Environments and Health, Safety & Wellbeing.

It aligns with:

• BS 8300-2:2018 – Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment
• Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings
• Building Bulletin 104 – Design for special educational needs and disabilities
• HTM 08-03 – Acoustics in healthcare buildings
• RIBA Plan of Work 2020 – Inclusive Design Overlay

The CPD also references Building Regulations Part L and Part B, where relevant to material performance, fire safety, and sustainability.

CPD Format

• Duration: 45–60 minutes (including Q&A)
• Delivery: Online or in-person seminar
• Type: Core curriculum / General awareness CPD
• Target Audience: Architects, designers, specifiers, and project managers across sectors.