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Designing for Neurodiversity, Powered by PechaKucha

Talk

Wednesday 19 March 2025
18:15 - 20:15

Free

Join this showcase of the latest research and innovations working to make our public spaces more inclusive for neurodivergent people. 
It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK identify as neurodivergent. However, despite making up a sizeable chunk of our population, their needs are often neglected in design processes, making it difficult for them to navigate and feel comfortable in public spaces. 
 
In this PechaKucha, those at the forefront of inclusive design research will share their thoughts on the importance of inclusive design, the barriers that often prevent this from happening, and the physical and cultural changes needed for organisations to make to create real change. We will also hear from those who putting this research into action, by placing inclusivity at the forefront of their projects -from the initial planning stages right through to final handover to the custodians of the space.
 
The format, PechaKucha (ペチャクチャ), was devised in Tokyo in 2003 by the English architect Mark Dytham and has turned into a massive global celebration of design, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of "chit chat", it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. The format makes presentations concise, keeps things moving at a rapid pace and holds its audience. 

Programme

18:15     
Guests arrive
 
18:40  
Welcome from Chair 
Federico Ortiz, Head of Programme, NLA
 
18:43  
PAS 6463 ‘Design for the Mind. Neurodiversity and the Built Environment’
Ben Channon, Head of Inclusive Environments, Buro Happold
 
18:50  
Simone West, Principal Inclusive Designer, TFL
 
18:57  
Space for Focus 
Chiara Cantilena, Senior Associate, LOM 
 
19:04  
AbilityRE
Vanessa Curtis, Co- Founder/ Co- Chair, AbilityRE
           
19:11  
Designing a Neuroinclusive Workplace 
Tim Hatton, Principal Interior Designer, HOK
 
19:18  
Power With
Natasha Trotman, Inclusive Designer and Researcher 
 
19:25  
Networking
 
20:15 
End

Speaker biographies

Natasha Trotman

Equalities Designer and Researcher, -

Ben Channon

Head of Inclusive Environments, Buro Happold

Chiara Cantilena

Senior Associate, LOM architecture and design

Simone West

Principal Inclusive Designer, Transport for London

Tim Hatton

Principal Interior Designer, HOK

Vanessa Curtis

Founder & Chair, AbilityRE


Free


Wellbeing

#NLAWellbeing

Venue

The London Centre
3 Aldermanbury
London
EC2V 7HH

Accessibility

There are 4 steps to the main entrance, with a level access entrance via the Guildhall West Wing approximately 200 feet away. There are toilets and accessible toilets via stairs or a lift to the lower ground floor. If you would like more information, or have any access requirements, please let us know what these are and how we can best accommodate these by emailing events@nla.london.

CPD Accreditation

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