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It’s estimated that 15 – 20 per cent of Australians are neurodivergent, yet many workplaces, schools, shopping centres and everyday spaces don’t support neurodiversity.

Exploring the topic through different lenses, Fulton Trotter Architects held a Forum on Wednesday, 2 October, for industry leaders to understand more about designing for neurodiversity and how to create inclusive spaces that support spatial justice.

Led by Director Katerina Dracopoulos, guests from various sectors joined in the discussion and heard from QUT PhD Candidate, Sessional Academic and Design Consultant, Emma Morse and academic and architect, Liza Neil. Participants discussed a provocation following each presenter to learn and try to dispel misconceptions about neurodiversity.

Emma Morse began the day’s proceedings by defining neurodiversity as “a brain function that is different to the majority and the variations occur naturally.” Emma outlined the key strengths that come with neurodivergence, stressing that it is often underrepresented. Through a range of design principles, Emma said designing with refuge in mind can help many with neurodiversity, to feel safe and secure.

Academic and architect Liza Neil discussed her own lived experience and the profound need for adaptable spaces. “Universal design is what we should all aim for,” she said.

“Creating spaces and places for everyone is almost impossible to get right, but we have to try. Be empathetic, be understanding, and do something. When we design for autism, we design for everyone.”

Following each presentation, group discussions took place to reflect and consider new ways in which guests could better design for neurodiversity. Director John Ward wrapped up the day’s key talking points before guests enjoyed drinks and canapes for networking into the afternoon.

Director Katerina Dracopoulos and member of the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, focused on spatial justice and inclusivity in design.

Katerina discussed how projects such as the Noosa Flexible Learning Centre and Eaton College helped to engage and inspire students who are not catered for in traditional school environments.

“The Noosa Flexible Learning Centre was all about co-design and choice. The informal nature of the learning and gathering spaces provides a welcoming, non-institutional environment for young people, that offers further choice and autonomy. Relaxed pavilions are nestled into the bushland, maintaining significant existing vegetation and reinforcing the calming and healing connection to the landscape. Walkways and outdoor areas were carefully designed without balustrades or barriers to celebrate the feeling of openness, giving young people autonomy to personalise their spaces,” Katerina said.

Katerina invited Fulton Trotter Architects’ Senior Associate, John Hay to discuss Eaton College, a specialised school in Townsville for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Sensory play strategies were included in the playground masterplan to help students regulate and small flexible withdrawal areas were added to each general learning area to help students retreat,” John said.

Reflecting on the day, Katerina Dracopoulos said the Forum helped kickstart positive design conversations.

“We are inspired by what we have learnt, and we recognise how much of what we have previously designed, has championed neurodiversity. The Forum was very energising, and we feel how much of a positive contribution we can make towards creating a better world.”

The Fulton Trotter Forum is held twice a year by Fulton Trotter Architects for industry personnel to promote emerging ideas and thought leadership. Designing for Neurodiversity is the second Fulton Trotter Forum for 2024, with the practice holding a previous Forum earlier in the year on unlocking land potential in Sydney and Brisbane.