Designing for Neurodiversity, Powered by PechaKucha

Talk

Wednesday 19 March 2025
18:15 - 20:15

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.

download speakers presentation

Simon-West_TFL.pdf
Tim-Hatton_HOK.pdf
Chiara-Cantilena_LOM.pdf
Ben-Channon_Buro-Happold.pdf
Vanessa-Curtis_AbilityRE.pdf

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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

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.