Design Flexibility: starting from ASD to learn how senses and sensory preferences impact people's wellbeing

Many studies have shown the impact of the built environment on people's well-being. People with Autism Spectrum Disorders are particularly sensitive to the environment and to sensory stimulations in a wide range of variation. “Once you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism”; sScientific research suggests that it may be impossible to define evidence-based guidelines and regulations to design for people with autism. So, which principles can guide architects designing public spaces “for all”? The solution we're going to propose is “Flexibility and Customisation”. Sensory design takes into account people's sensory preferences, but makes professionals able to design spaces for all, thanks to assistive technologies. The implementation of this design approach through sensory rooms has been applied in different environments by the architects DU IT. This chapter presents 3 case studies of sensory design in hospitals - Emergency Department, Maternity Ward and Psychological Consultancy - where sensory design represents an opportunity to promote well-being in a secure space for all. Starting from ASD, mental health and other conditions of vulnerability, sensory design seems an essential component to offer quality of care in healing and health-promoting environments