Space in Mind is a research project exploring the explore and visually document the invisible qualities of public spaces and the journeys through them at the RCA.
Space in Mind goes beyond the accessibility and functionality of public spaces and instead explores the intangible: the sensory, social and emotional experience.
In collaboration with neurodivergent staff and students, Space in Mind explores and visually documents the invisible qualities of public spaces and the journeys through them at the RCA. We ask whether these spaces provide support or are a hindrance to our emotional wellbeing, how could design better accommodate neurodivergent experiences, and can these insights go beyond physical design changes to influence how we welcome and are welcomed into buildings like universities through to the facilitation of ‘reasonable adjustments’.
This project will create a better understanding of neurodivergent staff and students' experience of their working environment.
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The challenge
This project aims to deepen our own and the RCA’s understanding of the challenges and delights encountered by neurodivergent individuals regarding public spaces, seeking to improve their experiences and support systems.
What we did
Space in Mind centres on public spaces found within the three London campuses of the RCA, Battersea, Kensington and White City.
The aim was to provide and develop diverse engagement opportunities, catering to the varying needs and comfort levels of neurodivergent individuals. These included facilitated conversations, walk and talks and anonymous online contributions promoted via posters in the public spaces. We hosted a co-design workshop in which neurodivergent staff and students were invited to come and make physical representations of their experiences of the space.
