The Neurodiverse City project, led by Design Trust for Public Space, Verona Carpenter Architects, WIP collaborative, and a network of disability advocates, is reimagining New York City’s public spaces to better support neurodivergent users. Neurodivergent people – including people with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyspraxia, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD – are often excluded from public space access because the planning and construction of our communities does not take into account the cognitive, sensory, and social variation inherent in our neurodiverse world.

Guided by site-specific sensory audits and design workshops in partnership with AHRC NYC, The Neurodiverse City tested a neuroinclusive design prototype created by WIP at a privately-owned public space in the Financial District that aimed to, as the New York Times put it, "transform one small patch of the hectic Wall Street area into an experiential refuge for neurodivergent New Yorkers." Participants were able to test new design elements, meet project partners, and offer feedback about how to make New York more accessible. Working with NYC Public Schools and playground audits, Verona Carpenter Architects debuted a Sensory Playscape at PS42m, transforming a concrete schoolyard into a flexible 'garden' with mobile sensory zones.

Join us for a special NYCxDesign Exhibition at the Positive Exposure gallery with AHRC, featuring displays from both of these prototypes for sensory design and the release of a new publication on neuroinclusive urban planning and policy recommendations for a more accessible city. RSVP Required, sign up for our mailing list to get notified of when the registration link is live