have a number of people who they champion in terms of diversity in the workplace. T at approach is not just about the workplace we design, it’s actually embedded in the workforce. ‘On that project, we were able to work with an internal team that was diverse. And while we were all aware that they were not representing all possible diversity, they did have particular complexities that we could work with. It meant that instead of reactionary responses to design problems, we were able to develop solutions that met both visual and practical objectives. ‘For example, using fl ooring patterns to create enclosure and do away with physical boundaries is a useful technique, but strong and bold patterns can create some negative neural responses for some people. But rather than do away with pattern altogether and compromise on the design of the space, it can be about fi nding more subtle patterns that bring the benefi ts without the negatives.’


Design as a powerful tool


Cressida Toon, director at Sonnemann Toon, said: ‘We do a lot of design for healthcare


‘The home- working


environment off ers the ultimate in choice as it is your own


space, so there is perhaps something in finding ways to off er this kind of choice in the of ice


workspace because one set of


conditions will not suit everyone.’ Cressida Toon


projects, which includes focus on dementia and visual impairment, and it is a challenge that we also have to wrestle with. We recently worked on the Sight and Sound Centre for Great Ormond Street Hospital, which they wanted to have a very homely feel, and we started off with a fl ooring pattern that was quite striking but which needed to be toned down a little.’ At the centre, which is supported by Premier Inn, the staff , patients and families helped develop the level of colour and contrast in the patterned marmoleum fl oor. Sonnemann Toon wanted to achieve a playful and domestic feel but one that was not over stimulating or distracting. T e staff , patients and families asked for variety in the type of circulation space. It needed to off er the ability to choose a setting that helps reduce stress and anxiety, be that quite intimate space, space where you can be with others or, importantly, outside space where you can be in fresh air and close to greenery.


Toon added: ‘T e challenge is to fi nd the middle ground where you don’t remove all stimulation and visual interest, but also you


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