Defining Disability-Centered Design Through Practice: Centering Neurodiversity in a Conservation Park Design

Abstract

INTRODUCTION This research aims first to define Disability-Centered Design (DCD) as an existing methodological research and design phenomenon, then to explore the practicality of using DCD for public natural parks. DCD differs from similar approaches by emphasizing disabled designers as expert researchers/creators in generating design guidelines that address the bodily, psychological, and cognitive desires and needs of disabled users. DCD typically focuses on designing for specific disability communities with implications for designing in the public sphere. As a case study, DCD was used for a collaborative schematic design that centers neurodivergent spatial experiences for the currently undeveloped Lower Serpentine Barrens Conservation Park (LSBCP) in Potomac, Maryland. LITERATURE REVIEW Different models of disability are discussed in relation to historic and current strategies of disability design, with preference for the social model of disability for its impact on the development of Universal Design and other human-centric approaches. Existing examples of disability design approaches are explored in terms of their applicability/inapplicability to the DCD definition. Particular attention is given to examples that center neurodivergent spatial experiences, including Finnigan’s (2024) Sensory-Responsive Environments and Jensen’s (2023) hypo- and hypersensitivity mapping. Neurodivergence/neurodiversity is defined and existing knowledge about the relationship between neurodiversity (specifically autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia) and spatial experiences (specifically sensory processing, navigation/wayfinding, and information processing) explored. The existing knowledge on the benefits of inclusion in public spaces and access to natural settings for neurodivergent individuals, as well as barriers to accessing these spaces, is also discussed. METHODS DCD methods include site inventory and analysis of geologic, hydrologic, ecological, and cultural/historical aspects of the LSBCP using a mixture of GIS mapping, historic aerial photographs, secondary historical sources, technical reports and use plan reports for the combined lower and upper sections of the Serpentine Barrens Conservation Park, and personal observations of the site; expert Interviews of disabled and non-disabled disability-focused landscape architects, designers, and design policy makers; hypo-/hypersensitivity mapping using Benjamin Jenson’s (2023) methodology; a participatory sensory audit; and a participatory design workshop. The sensory audit engaged thirteen adult participants, all neurodivergent or parents to neurodivergent children, to tour a conservation park with extant design elements to assess the effectiveness and sensory experiences of particular design and environmental typologies that also exist or will exist within the LSBCP. Participants engaged through verbal, written, photovoice, and good/bad indicator card responses. The same participants then reflected on these explorations of space and design during the design workshop, in which they engaged in a number of interactive activities to generate design ideas for the LSBCP. EXPECTED RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A final schematic design for Lower Serpentine Barrens Conservation Park is generated unifying the design elements and preferences expressed by participants. The effectiveness of the DCD methods and how they inform the design outcome is discussed.