Provocative Places: Neuro-Architecture and Sensory Wayfinding using Augmented Reality

Provocative Objects / Spaces

12 February, 2025 -

“Neurodiversity emphasises this spectrum of brain function in all humans and suggests that to better understand the perspectives of those around us, we should try not only to see the world through their eyes but understand it through their brains (Sandman-Hurley, 2013). Neuroscience within Architecture is a growing field of study because it examines the perception of spatial materiality, by going further than typical understandings of form and function.

Architecture ‘designed with well-being mind and the senses’ (touch, sight, sound, smell, sensitivity to light/ dark, etc.) has only relatively recently been applied to Design for Neurodiversity (Mostafa, 2018). This research paper examined the cognitive perception, in the case of neurodiversity, through an architectural ‘lens’ (Mostafa, 2021) with a specific design focus on user challenges in ‘lexical- processing’ and ‘spatial-processing’ (Kaufmann L., et al., 2013).

Our research led to a design proposal to improving outcomes for those on the neurodiversity spectrum. The design proposal provided a ‘measurable impact’ on dyslexic/ autistic user experiences, and sought to improve outcomes in user performance, and ‘emotional and physical wellbeing’ (NeuroArchitecture LLC, 2023). Neurodiversity characteristics like Dyslexia, Autism, OCD and ADHD were considered. Geographically, the focus of the research was based in a site in Oxford called Cowley Road.

The article produced a developed a design response from a situational context, named Cowley Road in Oxford, to tackle the initial barriers that autistic people face. Specifically, difficulties in environments through neurodiversity processing. By identifying with a limited scope study of sensory-stressors such as visual complexity, loud soundscapes, strong-smells, navigation (flow-density) and touch-tactile complexity.

For example, research findings lead to a self-made representation from original design works by Kinner and Calvert, the original designers of the UK road signs (Figure 1). The signs on the left show the original whilst the signs on the right show from the perspective or experience of a neuro-diverse user. Each person is different, and visualisations may show all, part, few or no similarities with other experiences. These simulations are inspired from various representative techniques found on personal testimonies and shared experiences.

Research findings also led to creating an interface through Augmented Reality Assistive Technology (ARAT) (Figures 2, 3 and 4). The ARAT is used as part of the wayfinding response that is combining auditory prompts, tactile (vibration patterns) coded to this area/category (defined by the user) and a visual pattern/logo (customised by the user) to assist recognition and place-making.

These on-site surveying techniques and critical analysis of street signs, road markings, way-finding artefacts and bus timetables lead to a research conclusion: key positive indicators to responsible design for neurodiversity include customisation, agency and flexibility for the user. Therefore, the design response given in the paper gives users the ability to adapt sound profiles, vibration categories, visual logo’s and prompts to fit their sense of place-making and place-finding.

Full article available at: https://tinyurl.com/sodesignhi...

Aaron Barrett is working as an Architectural Technician while completing a Masters of Architecture in Applied Design at Oxford Brookes University. Aaron is also a Consultant for the Oxford Centre for Academic Enhancement and Development (OCAED). He has experience working on a wide range of projects at all work stages, including Residential, Commercial and Healthcare. He was the recipient of the RIBA Yorkshire Small Practice Award in 2023, and has been nominated for the Bronze Medal (2023) and RIBA Yorkshire Award (2023). Most recently, Aaron is the project lead for a residential design in London.

Contributors:
Tutors: Dr. E. Rowden., T. Shew, M. Halliwell, O.N. Puig (Faculty of Technology, Design and the Environment, Oxford Brookes University, UK).
Author: Barrett, A. W. (Postgraduate Student, MArchD 2024-2026 Oxford Brookes University UK).
Date: 02 December 2024

References:
Sandman-Hurley (2013). What is dyslexia? - Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Embracing Dyslexia (2013) Ed.D [video] Ted-Ed. https://ed.ted.com/lessons/wha...

Mostafa, Magda. (2008). An An Architecture for Autism: Concepts of Design Intervention for the Autistic User. Archnet-IJAR : International Journal of Architectural Research. 2. 10.26687/archnet-ijar.v2i1.182. and Mostafa, Magda. (2021). THE AUTISM FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY DESIGN GUIDE. SN - 978-1-5272-8598-9. PY - 2021/05/28

Kaufman J, Synnot A, Ryan R, Hill S, Horey D, Willis N, Lin V, Robinson P. Face to face interventions for informing or educating parents about early childhood vaccination. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD010038. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010038.pub2.
PAS BS 8300-2:2018. The British Standards Institution 2022.Published by BSI Standards Limited 2022. Supersedes BS 8300:2009 (+A1:2010). ISBN 9780580929830. https://www.thenbs.com/Publica...

NeuroArchitecture LLC (2023). Neuro-Architecture LLC and Clinicians for Design seek to provide a platform for communication among health care practitioners, public health professionals, authorities, architects, designers, policy makers and users of built setting. [article]. link: https://www.cliniciansfordesig...

Started by the DHS Ambassadors in 2022, the Design History Society’s Provocative Objects and Places blog series looks at spaces and objects that challenge and confront us as design historians.

Past topics have ranged from the ancient Colosseum in Rome to the ultramodern Antilia in Mumbai; pink razors and Barbies to Lalique’s Bacchantes vase and nineteenth-century asylum photography. The full collection of previous posts can be found here: https://www.designhistorysociety.org/blog/category/provocative-objects-spaces

We invite submissions for guest blog posts from students, early career researchers, and established academics to those with a general interest in design history. Post can be on any object or place from any era, anywhere in the world, which in some way incites discussion and debate. Post should be 500-800 words in length, accompanied by at least one image with associated credits and clearances, and a short bio.

Please send to the DHS Senior Administrator, Dr Jenna Allsopp designhistorysociety@gmail.com