Scratchy spaces itch
Flickering lights scream abuse
Blinding piped Muzak.
Sensory chaos
for the Neurodivergent.
Debilitating.
Inclusivity
through neuroarchitecture
relieves the tension.
Sensory settings
balance our choice and control
provide for the extremes.
Sensitivities.
Refuge and autonomy.
Predictable paths.
Post-Normal design
sees diversity in thought
and experience.
Post-Normal people
the new cognitive order
resmoothing spaces.
Neuroarchitecture (11/03/2025) in Design Shifts, a poetic journey through post-normal times.
The National Institute of Health estimates 1 in 5 people are considered neurodivergent. Design for neurodivergence is one way of championing inclusivity and extending principles of universal design. This poem is Inspired by the work of Kay Sargent and her book: “Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces” (2025) as discussed in ArchDaily, “Architecture for Neurodivergence: Designing for control, choice and the senses” (Story by Ankitha Gattupalli 10/3/2025). https://www.archdaily.com/1027772/architecture-for-neurodiversity-designing-for-control-choice-and-the-senses?kth=5,730,464&mc_cid=4e4fe633fe&mc_eid=8bede3307b
There is an overlap between Neuroarchitecture which is designing buildings based on emotions, healing and happiness of users using principles such as Biophilia; and design for Neurodivergence and the spectrum of sensory sensitivities.
Richard Neutra, American modernist architect in the 20th century was a pioneer of neuroarchitecture, in the sense that he gave particular attention to defining the real physical and emotional needs of his clients, in contrast to other architects eager to impose their artistic vision on a client.
Figure 28.0: Daffara, P. (2025). Neuroarchitecture [Pencil on paper].
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