Sensory Awareness in Architectural Design and Construction: A Guide to Inclusion and Hospitality for All

Modern approaches to architectural design and construction have gravitated toward elegance, glossiness, and over exaggeration of a bright environment through materials such as marble, glass, white paint, and fluorescent lighting. While these choices can be alluring, their impact on individuals with disabilities and sensory processing disorders is typically dismissed. This study explores the intersection of architectural elements — such as lighting, noise, scent, and spatial organization — and sensory overload in disabled individuals. Through a detailed literature review, education of architectural principles, and incorporation of building techniques, this study proposes a computer-generated three-dimensional model of a shopping center. The primary focus area is a boutique, selected due to its stereotypical lack of sensory awareness in commercial avenues. This space will incorporate features that highlight where accessibility and inclusion meet architectural design and construction. Sensory considerations will be prioritized for lighting and noise, wayfinding, and aroma presence. This model and research aim to provide a conceptual influence for future designers, to ensure inclusion and hospitality for all customers. Further, it is the hope that this model and research will emphasize the amount of work that is still to be done on making buildings inclusive in addition to accessible.