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people worldwide are neurodivergent. They may have a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism – or traits that mean their thinking style differs from neurotypical patterns.

Yet in Australia, do not adequately address the needs of neurodivergent individuals.

shows neurodivergent people benefit emotionally and socially from exposure to nature. “” incorporates natural elements into the built environment, which can benefit neurodiverse users.

What is biophilic design?

The term “biophilia” combines two ancient Greek words which mean life (bio) and love (philia). The is the idea humans have an innate need, desire or tendency to connect with life and living things.

The aim of biophilic design is to create buildings that continue in an urbanised world.

Biophilic design can take , each of which can improve quality of life for neurodivergent people.

1. Natural experiences

Direct experiences of nature can happen through sensory connections: things we see, hear, touch, smell or taste. Natural building elements such as water, plants or animals, natural lighting, and thermal and airflow variability can foster these experiences.

Neurodivergent people often experience and feel overwhelmed by sound or other elements around them. But shows nature can help children with autism tolerate and process information.

Neurodivergent people can have difficulties, meaning they might struggle with the dynamic social, intellectual and practical demands of everyday life. But shows the adaptive functioning of children with autism increases in the presence of animals compared to toys.

Natural lighting makes it possible to rely less on intense artificial lighting, which can for people with sensory differences. recommends high-level windows for natural light, with placement that avoids glare and silhouetting.

2. Experiences like the real thing

Human-nature connection is not limited to being present in nature. Symbolic and metaphorical references to nature can be created through mimicking natural patterns, material, forms and elements in built environments.

Natural patterns can minimise for people who are hypersensitive. In contrast, the tessellated forms, bars, stripes and perforated materials usually found in the modern artificial world can cause to people with autism. These repetitive patterns can to move or shimmer when viewed.

Visual clutter can be to autistic people. Natural materials such as wood, stone and natural fabrics are preferred for as they tend to have lower visual clutter. The same rule extends to choice, with natural and earth tones (such as browns, greens and blues) preferred.

3. Natural spaces

Built environments can be designed to create experiences similar to those found in nature. This means reflecting the potential for active play, transitional spaces, refuge and spatial organisation encountered in nature.

Some children with autism more active play with varied sensory elements including jumping, running, swinging, sliding and climbing. Outdoor space typically provides the or fidget freely when the mood strikes. The unstructured nature of outdoor spaces, with fewer social expectations, allows children to release energy and tension.

People with autism need opportunities to that have different sensory experiences. Transitional spaces such as foyers or anterooms may help avoid sensory overload and support the processing and integration of sensory information.

The use of organic and flowing forms and curved walls or corners help from one place to another. Soft corners also of the approaching area. This can help reduce anxiety around entering an unfamiliar place or unexpectedly coming face-to-face with others.

Finally, neurodivergent people from retreat spaces. Small spaces, corners, small terraces and calm rooms next to main spaces can help autistic children .

Co-designing buildings with neurodivergent people

We still have a lot to learn about creating built environments more suited to neurodivergent visitors.

Such designs will benefit from the of people with neurodiverse sensitivities in the design process. All people have to environments they can use and function well in.

, Lecturer, School of Built Environment, ; , Professor of Social Policy, , and , Associate Professor. Deputy Director TeEACH Research Centre,

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