Flexibility and Customisation: Starting from ASD to design sensory healthcare environments for 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. As is often said: “Once you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism”. Scientific 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 architectural designers DU IT. This chapter presents three case studies of sensory design in hospitals. In each case - Emergency Department, Maternity Ward and Psychological Consultancy - 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.