6 October 2020
BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, announces a new project to create the first set of guidance for the design of the built environment to include the needs of people who experience sensory and neurological processing difficulties and/or differences. This includes neurodivergent, neurodegenerative and other neurological conditions which may affect sensory processing and mental wellbeing.
The fast-tracked standard, PAS 6463 Design for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide, will provide information for designers, planners, specifiers, facilities managers and decision-makers on particular design features which can make public places more inclusive for everyone, in particular by reducing the potential for sensory overload, anxiety or distress. It will address sensory design considerations including lighting, acoustics, flooring and décor.
The standard will be developed by a steering group of experts in the built environment, transportation, planning and neurodiversity fields. It is sponsored by Transport for London (TfL), Forbo Flooring Systems, BuroHappold and the BBC.
Rob Turpin, Head of Healthcare Standards at BSI said: “Neurodivergent people face daily design-based challenges living and working in the built environment. PAS 6463 will take the first step to help address these challenges by developing authoritative guidance on how to create mindful, modern and inclusive environments that recognise the diverse needs of individuals.”
Alan Bainbridge, Director of Property at BBC said: “As Director of Property for the BBC my team are committed to making the workplace the best place to work for as many people as possible. With the proper care and attention the built environment can have a huge impact on people’s lives in and out of work and supporting the development of this standard builds on the work the BBC is already progressing at sites such as our new building in Cardiff’s Central Square.”
Jean Hewitt, Senior Inclusive Design Consultant & Trainer, BuroHappold and technical author, said: “In addition to designing places to accommodate our diversity in form, size and physical ability, there is also a profound need to design for neurological difference. Since my first involvement in this area in 2009, I have hoped for some progress for the many neurodivergent colleagues, friends and family whose lives are unnecessarily blighted by places that don’t work for them. Some have a formal diagnosis, but many do not; there are also many neurotypical people more mildly but regularly affected, perhaps triggering unsteadiness, migraines or experiencing extra daily stress through elements that are not intuitive for them.
“I believe at least 20% of the population are negatively impacted by elements that could so easily be adjusted or eliminated during design without any cost implications. This PAS is an opportunity to ask designers to carefully consider this normal neurological diversity of humans rather than just meeting basic regulatory demands. Places should be comfortable to visit and use without encountering emotional distress or difficulty and I’m very excited to be involved in developing some guidance to help make this the case for many more people”.
Donna Hannaway, UK Marketing Executive at Forbo Flooring Systems commented: “A floor is one of the largest surface areas within a building, with everyone that enters the space remaining in constant contact with it. As such, getting its specification right is critical to the holistic design of a truly inclusive environment. In fact, through our previous work and experience with dementia-design, we know the positive impact that informed design considerations, such as incorporating good acoustics or tonal contrasts, can have on the way people use, interact with and respond to a space.
“Therefore, we are really looking forward to working with BSI and its other sponsors on this very important project, which will hopefully form an important stepping-stone for future national and international building standards.”
Frances McAndrew, TfL’s Diversity & Inclusion Lead said: “We’re pleased to contribute to the important work of creating a guidance for neurodiversity and the built environment that will increase understanding and visibility of neurodiverse requirements. The PAS 6463 guidance for inclusive design will be beneficial to a diverse city like London to create a more enjoyable, welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.”
It is expected to publish in Summer 2022.
To find out more about BSI standards please visit: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/standards/benefits-of-using-standards/
Notes to editors
About BSI
BSI is the business improvement company that enables organizations to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. For over a century BSI has championed what good looks like and driven best practice in organizations around the world. Working with 84,000 clients across 195 countries, it is a truly international business with skills and experience across a number of sectors including aerospace, automotive, built environment, food, and healthcare. Through its expertise in Standards Development and Knowledge Solutions, Assurance, Regulatory Services and Consulting Services, BSI improves business performance to help clients grow sustainably, manage risk and ultimately be more resilient and trusted. To learn more, please visit: www.bsigroup.com
About BBC
The BBC is the world's leading public service broadcaster. Its mission is to enrich people's lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain. It provides services including 9 national TV channels plus regional programming, 10 national radio stations, 40 local radio stations and an extensive website. The BBC World Service broadcasts to the world on radio, TV and online, providing news and information in English and 41 other languages.
About BuroHappold
BuroHappold is an international, integrated engineering consultancy operating in 24 locations worldwide. With over 1,900 employees including some of the world’s leading consulting engineers, for over 40 years BuroHappold has built a reputation for delivering creative value led building and city solutions for an ever changing world. www.burohappold.com
About Forbo Flooring Systems
Forbo Flooring Systems is a leading global manufacturer that specialises in high quality, commercial floor coverings, from linoleum, vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles to flocked flooring, carpet tiles and entrance flooring systems. Its mission is to design and offer products that contribute in a positive way to the health and comfort of a building’s occupiers, users and visitors.
About TfL
Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the Capital's public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Trams, London Buses and TfL Rail services, as well as promoting walking and cycling and managing London's main roads. TfL does all it can to keep the city moving, working and growing and reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services.
