Helen Castle1 kicks off an article in RIBAJ, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Journal, with a question aimed at United Kingdom Architects: “Why such little interest in building for neurodiversity?” The article is timely: Neurodiversity Week in the UK ended just recently on March 24.
Some may be unfamiliar with the term “neurodiversity.” However, they are quite probably familiar with some or all of its components, which in the United Kingdom include the autism spectrum, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia.
So why is Castle calling out the profession of architecture? For those who are neurodiverse, the lived environment can suit their capabilities in a positive fashion. But for a great many, coping with the lived environment can offer a serious challenge.
Needless to say, the lived environment includes housing, which is why Castle is challenging the architecture profession.
When it comes to designing suitable living accommodation for people with disabilities, architects can rely upon their training, as well as their own experiences, and observations to design a home environment. However, the needs of people who are neurodiverse can be effectively invisible to others. That’s a challenge for any kind of housing, including social housing. For housing designers, neurodivergence represents a challenge that might be consciously or unconsciously avoided.
Nevertheless, in the United Kingdom and other countries, people are recognizing a responsibility to provide housing for all residents, not just needs that are easily recognized and met.
To help consider the scope of design for people who are neurodiverse, read more in RIBAJ: Why do architects need to understand neurodiversity? and Forbes: Architectural Firm Improves Space By Designing For Neurodiversity Inclusion
