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The making of a dementia-friendly community Design for the mind
A new fast track standard is due to be published in July which will provide the first ever guidance for designers working in the built environment to consider the needs of people with neuro-diverse conditions such as dementia, autism and learning difficulties. The fast-tracked standard, PAS 6463
Design for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment, 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. The aim is to reduce the potential for sensory overload, anxiety or distress that certain environments can cause to neuro-diverse people. BSI’s involvement in the standard was
sparked by a conversation between Rob Turpin, BSI’s Head of Sector for Healthcare and representatives from the BSI Committee responsible for the Design of an Accessible and Inclusive Environment standard. “We were having a conversation about difficulties people with dementia have in certain buildings or places and they asked if we would be interested in getting involved in a standard for improving the built environment
for people with neuro-diverse conditions. “The idea of the standard was to cover outside public spaces such as parks and town centres, and also indoor spaces such as shopping centres and banks,” said Rob. “The way buildings and spaces are laid out can cause problems for people with dementia, autism or learning difficulties.” Once BSI was onboard with the standard
they commissioned some research from the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, part of the Royal College of Art and a global leader in inclusive design. The Centre looked at design from an inclusive perspective, asking how might taking their needs into account might help people with neuro-diverse conditions. “As part of the research they took a lady with dementia round a number of different locations, such as a hotel and a restaurant, and asked her what she liked and didn’t like about each one,” said Rob. Something that came out of this research was the importance for people with dementia of knowing where the exits are and being able to see a pathway that will get them from get from A to B. The research resulted in a list of 11 areas
“PAS 6463 is the start of a journey that will see inclusive design for people with physical and mental conditions become mainstream and one day become incorporated into Building Regulations”
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that designers should consider, such as signage, acoustics, lighting, decor and being able to preview a space before entering, which is especially important for people with autism. “It’s important to acknowledge the
differences between neurological conditions such as dementia and autism,” said Rob. “For example, people with dementia may prefer bright, well-lit areas whereas someone with autism may prefer low lighting to reduce stimulation. Being inclusive means taking people’s individual needs into account – you won’t be able to find a compromise that
works for everyone.” For Rob, PAS 6463 is the start of a
journey that will see inclusive design for people with physical and mental conditions become mainstream and one day become incorporated into Building Regulations. “Neuro-divergent 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.”
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