PAS 6463 – Design for the Mind; Relating Guidance to Projects and the Positive Impact on Users of a Space

Synopsis

Focussing on the design and use of commercial, public and residential buildings the new BSI guidance document PAS 6463 Design for the mind (Neurodiversity and the built environment) recommends ways to make spaces accessible and inclusive to people who have differences in sensory processing. This may include people have been assessed as neurodivergent, people with a brain injury or those with a neurodegenerative health condition. Many others without a formal assessment are also negatively affected by the sensory impact of buildings.
This makes up a significant number of our population who may find buildings uncomfortable or difficult to use
Sensory overload is often a contributing factor; it raises stress levels and increases cognitive load, leading to anxiety and, in some cases, poor physical and mental health. Sound is often a key element in sensory overload and so acoustics and noise management forms an integral part of the PAS document
This presentation references the acoustic detail from the PAS guidance and uses example from refurbishment projects in public spaces including an interactive science museum, a children’s centre and a community hall to showing in a practical way how good acoustic design can reduce or eliminate noise challenges, so helping to create places which are easy to use and where people can flourish.