Architecture & Access supports inclusive learning environments through sensory-focused design at Burwood Campus.
Written by Cathryn Grant, Access Leader Victoria
Architecture & Access were engaged by Deakin University to complete a Sensory Design Audit of an existing building on their Burwood Campus. Sensory auditing does not assess mandatory legislative requirements within the built environment but instead, focuses specifically on the sensory elements of the environment, such as visual aspects, sound, noise, and related factors.
The built environment can act as both a facilitator and barrier to participation, health and wellbeing. It can influence a person’s ability to live independently and participate meaningfully in daily life including study and university campus activities. Many neurodivergent people, including most people with Autism, have sensory processing difficulties. People with Autism can experience hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity or a combination of both, depending on the sensory input.
· Hypo-sensitive – low response to sensory stimuli
· Hypersensitive – exaggerated response to stimuli
Negative responses to the sensory environment can act as a barrier to participation, activity, social interaction, engagement and productivity. Over stimulation can cause exhaustion, stress and lead to the person with neurodiversity choosing to leave the activity and, in this case, drop out of university all together. Architecture & Access’s sensory audit will assess the proposed built environment to ensure barriers for neurodivergent people are minimised and their participation is optimised.
Audit Elements
- Visual: The impact of colours, lighting, and patterns.
- Auditory: The effects of sound, including noise levels, echoes, and background sounds.
- Tactility: The textures and materials that users interact with physically.
- Interoception: How the environment affects internal sensory processing, such as feelings of comfort or discomfort.
- Olfactory: The influence of smells, whether from materials, ventilation, or external sources.
- Layouts: Including orientation, spatial size, and the positioning of key elements within the space.
- Proprioception: How the space supports body awareness and movement, particularly in relation to furniture, pathways, and overall design.
Following the audit, specific recommendations to improve the sensory environment for all and especially those that are neurodivergent, will be provided.
Our services also extended to the completion of a design review assessment of the proposed fitout of the building. We reviewed the design documentation including the finishes schedules, drawings and internal elevations. We will then make recommendations to facilitate sensory comfort/access for people who are neurodivergent.
