Sensory-Responsive Design: Qualitative Insights and Design Methodologies for Crafting Neuro-Inclusive Environments - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

Recorded On: 10/07/2024

Sensory-responsive design emanates from an evidence-based connection between sensory sensitivities and neurodiversity. To best meet the needs of the neurodiverse community, a sensory-responsive process must be applied in designed landscapes. Attendees will learn about neurodiversity and techniques to apply in the classroom and in practice.

Learning objectives:

Provide a baseline understanding of sensory sensitivities and their connection to neurodiversity, and highlight the broad range of experiences and needs that neurodiverse people experience.
Build an understanding that someone's experience of the world is built through interpretation of sensory inputs, and that changes in sensory perception alter their perception of the spaces they inhabit.
Establish the idea of sensory-responsive design and show that this method of design positively affects all users.
Share practical methodologies for the application of sensory-responsive design for attendees to apply in their own instructional methods or practice.

Amy Wagenfeld, Affil. ASLA

Affiliate Associate Professor

University of Washington Department of Landscape Architecture and Amy Wagenfeld | Design

Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, FAOTA, an occupational therapist, therapeutic design consultant, educator, researcher, and author, is faculty in University of Washington’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Principal of Amy Wagenfeld | Design. Amy is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, holds specialty certification in environmental modifications through the American Occupational Therapy Association, and certification in Healthcare Garden Design through the Chicago Botanical Garden. Amy publishes and presents widely and co-authored the award-winning book, Therapeutic Gardens: Design for Healing Spaces (Timber Press), Nature-Based Strategies for Allied Health Practitioners (Jessica Kingsley Publishers), and The Nature of Inclusive Play (Routledge).

Kathryn Finnigan, Associate ASLA

Designer, Qualitative Researcher, LAF Fellow for Innovation and Leadership, National Olmsted Scholar

Kurisu LLC

Kathryn is dedicated to advancing landscapes that benefit both people and the environment. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Planning and Interpretation from Cal Poly Humboldt, and is distinguished as an LAF National Olmsted Scholar. Her qualitative study on sensory sensitivities in designed outdoor environments among neurodivergent individuals has informed her leadership in neuro-inclusive design as an LAF Fellow. Kathryn serves as an advisor to the Metro Regional Government's Committee on Inclusion, focusing on sensory disabilities, and works at a firm specializing in Japanese-style therapeutic gardens.

Benjamin Jensen, Associate ASLA

Landscape Designer

HOK

Benjamin Jensen is a Landscape Designer with HOK, and recipient of the national ASLA honor award in research for his graduate thesis titled "Designing Spectrums; the Sensory World of Autism and its Design Implications. As an Implicated researcher, this research was equal parts advocacy, design-research, and self discovery. Having recently realized his place on the Autism Spectrum, Ben has found his passion in understanding the ways in which our senses define our experience of space, how neuro-divergent sensory differences change these experiences and the implications of these alternate views of the sensorial in the design of the public realm.