Sensory-enabled architecture for neurodivergent spaces

Striving to be more neuroinclusive means understanding how our brains perceive and understand the world. Studies show a high percentage of the population is cognitively diverse, and many of us experience the world differently than one another. Individuals are often challenged by the misalignment between their needs and the built environment.

Sensory-enabled architecture (SEA) incorporates tactile, auditory, olfactory, visual, and kinetic elements in design. It looks at how emotional, psychological, and cultural influences affect how spaces are interpreted and experienced.

 We applied the fundamentals of sensory-enabled architecture to develop a prototype of a multi-sensory space—The ZenDen. This portable, pop-up environment is designed to support mental health and well-being through sensory engagement. It’s practical and easy to ship and deploy.

The ZenDen is a conversation starter that allows clients to experience a sensory environment and visualize how we might use sensory spaces in their own buildings.

Our designers can share:

• Sensory Enabled Architecture (SEA) design research
• What inspires our research into sensory environments
• ZenDen, the pop-up prototype sensory spaces designed by our team
• Building types that are incorporating sensorial design considerations