Creating sensory inclusive workspaces incorporating the natural environment
The project explores the development of a small site on a former steel works in Sheffield, adjacent to a canal which creates an inclusive site to accommodate workspaces, a small entertainment space and a café which are all adaptable to meet the varying needs of autistic workers.
The overall design is inspired by the concept of an urban sanctuary - with the main high rise office building being a tree shape, with a green roof and notably, a sanctuary which provides a range of workspaces for a population that is underrepresented in the work force. Additionally, these design aspects also have the added benefit of improve everyone's mental health too.
Unlike many modern workspaces, the building has smaller offices with flexibility to divide them as needed; tactile surfaces; a degree of control over the local environment as well as a separate space for socialisation. These adaptions allow users with different sensory needs to adapt their local workspaces to meet their individual needs. The café similarly facilitates eating in smaller groups if needed, with a maze structure separating spaces efficiently. Its separation from other workspaces reduces noise and smell within the office building and workshop spaces.
