THE OFFICE So far, we have focused on understanding what neurodiversity is, how it is experienced, and how it relates to the work environment, health and equitability. We now move from understanding to practice. We will look at the trends of how we create office spaces, and highlight the common pitfalls encountered when designing for neurodiversity. In addition, we will look in more detail at what is an enabling or disabling environment. As each person will have a unique experience of a space, rather than provide specific guidelines, it is more effective to create a set of principles that leave room for bespoke defining elements depending on the users and type of office space. We will be moving past the harmful stereotypes and look at designing for the equitable inclusion of neurodiverse people in the employment ecosystem.
Mitigation against extreme weather events vs climate impacts It must be recognised that any design solution must both mitigate against an extreme weather event as well as have no further impact on the planet. For example, cooling and heating a space through innovative insulation solutions such as a green roof rather than installing an HVAC system. ■
with wayfinding and navigation in the workplace due to flooding? – What transport alternatives can be provided by the employer when flooding impedes a person’s commute (e.g. the provision of a taxi if a person becomes stranded in the middle of their commute)? – What provisions can the employer make for a person to work from home in the case of extreme weather conditions, and to ensure that a person’s home office is more adequate?
TRENDS
– What are the provisions made in the office building should it become flooded and inaccessible?
It is important to root the office environment in macro-societal trends that will have an impact on the lived experience of neurodiverse people and their experience of the office. Two key trends have been identified: the climate crisis and hybrid working.
– In the event of an inability to access transport to reach a workplace, what systems are set up that allow a person to readjust with ease and not experience undue stress that can take hours to recover from? • Heatwaves will become longer and more prevalent in the UK, affecting people’s quality of sleep and personal comfort, as well as the office environment.86
THE CLIMATE CRISIS The climate crisis is the result of the changes in the climate patterns due to contamination that is depleting and changing the biodiversity of the Earth.82 For instance, it is predicted that 15% of species are at threat of extinction due to urbanisation and pollution, which are major contributors to the climate crisis.28 Climate change impacts all aspects of human life, including how we execute work. In the UK we are already seeing disruption to supply chains, energy supplies, housing stability and transport,83 and there are even predictions that entire coastal towns will become uninhabitable in the very near future.84
– How will it be possible to cool offices without relying too much on HVAC systems the use of which can add to the climate crisis? – How can green spaces and other outdoor spaces be improved to provide shade and thus cooling during heat waves? It is important that people can use these spaces all year round. – In the event of extreme heat on a given day, how do employers, building managers and place makers provide solutions that enable a person to keep to a routine that involves outdoor activities?
The various changes that will come from the climate crisis will affect the daily lives of people. Below we delineate a potential set of consequences.
• Extreme cold weather events will also increase. In the winter of 2021/22 alone, the UK faced three major storms that caused mass power cuts.
Extreme weather and mobility This intersection will pose the most significant changes for people who are neurodiverse, as extreme weather (flooding, heat, cold, wind) can change how a person navigates an environment and so affect their ability to access resources such as employment. Here are some examples of what this could look like.
– How will neurodiverse people working from home be supported when there is a power cut? – How will the usual support provided by the office space be altered during extreme cold weather? – How will outdoor spaces be altered so that they are still accessible in periods of extreme cold weather?
• Flooding can affect transport routes, access to the office building or even the safety of a person’s home.85
– How will entrances to the building need to be changed to make it physically safe to enter the building and keep the cold out?
– What resources can be provided by an employer that can mitigate the stresses arising from difficulties
DESIGNING FOR NEURODIVERSITY
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