What Earth Day can teach us about neuroinclusion

What if making our environments more sustainable could also make them more inclusive?

Many buildings, schools, offices, and public spaces are designed for a mythical “average” person. But that “average” often excludes neurodivergent people. Environments can overwhelm, confuse, or exclude – all without meaning to.

Today is Earth Day and it’s got me thinking about sustainable and inclusive design, and how the spaces we build impact how people feel, function, and belong. From office lighting to sound design, environmental factors can be the difference between coping and thriving.

The problem with 'normal' spaces

Let’s be honest – most buildings weren’t built with sensory difference in mind.

They’re designed for efficiency. For uniformity. For the mythical average.
Not for the autistic person who finds fluorescent lights unbearable.
Not for the ADHD-er trying to focus in an open-plan office with constant background noise.
Not for the dyslexic person navigating a maze of unclear signage.

And definitely not for someone who’s already using every ounce of energy just to “pass” as typical.

But what if we flipped the script?

What if, instead of tweaking things after people struggle, we designed for inclusion from the start?

This is the heart of neuroinclusive design – a people-first approach to buildings and spaces. It’s about recognising that physical environments either enable or disable people. And we get to choose which one.

Just like Earth Day reminds us to care for our planet, neuroinclusive design reminds us to care for the people in it – by building spaces where everyone feels safe to be different.

Why sensory-friendly design matters

• Lighting: Harsh fluorescents can trigger headaches, anxiety, or shutdowns. Natural light and dimmable settings offer choice and comfort.
• Sound: Noise bleeds in open offices or echoing halls make focus impossible. Acoustic insulation and quiet zones make a huge difference.
• Wayfinding: Complex layouts, unclear signage, and poor lighting cause disorientation and stress. Clear visual cues and tactile pathways help everyone navigate with ease.
• Zoning: Not everyone wants to be “in the thick of it.” Spaces that offer quiet corners, breakout pods, or moveable furniture give people control over their environment.
• Textures and movement: For some, texture soothes. For others, movement regulates. A mix of textures, tactile walls, and wobble chairs can turn discomfort into calm.

The best part? These changes don’t just help neurodivergent people. They help everyone.

Tips: how to make your spaces more neuroinclusive

Whether you’re managing a workplace, school, or community space, here are 5 ways to begin:

✅ Ditch the one-size-fits-all lighting – Offer natural light where possible. Use dimmers or lamps for softer lighting options.
✅ Create multiple zones – Quiet corners, social areas, and movement-friendly spaces let people choose how they engage.
✅ Think sound – Add noise-dampening panels, carpet, or ceiling tiles. Quiet booths or rooms are great for focus or decompression.
✅ Signpost clearly – Use consistent icons, large fonts, colour coding, and consider adding tactile or audio support.
✅ Involve neurodivergent voices – Consult, co-design, and test with those who live this reality.

Recommendations

Barclays Glasgow Campus Case Study – Their neuroinclusive redesign includes quiet spaces, bookable desks based on lighting, and more.

Modulyss Talks: Neuroinclusive design in architecture webinars – Watch me and others talk about neuroinclusive design in this series of webinars.

Closing thought

Designing for inclusion isn’t a luxury. It’s a responsibility.

Because everyone deserves to feel safe, regulated, and welcome in the spaces they move through.