Thoughts on people, place and planning
Reflections on the human side of cities — how planning, policy and design can create communities that are connected, inclusive and built to last.
Now available: new insights paper - Planning for neurodiversity
An emerging aspect of planning and design practice is planning for neurodivergent people.
This paper brings together research and lived experience to explore how planners, designers and policymakers can better support neurodivergent communities.
Designing cities for everyone: What neurodivergent people wish planners knew
How well do our cities support neurodivergent people? My research into neurodiversity and the built environment reveals critical gaps in urban design, wayfinding, and accessibility—showing how many public spaces unintentionally exclude those with cognitive differences.
From sensory overwhelm in transport hubs to navigation barriers in city layouts, neurodivergent individuals and families face daily challenges that remain overlooked in mainstream urban planning. This article explores the key findings, the real-life impact of poor design, and practical ways to make cities more inclusive.
