How Sensory Design Shapes Inclusive Spaces

At this year’s ICFF, an energizing conversation unfolded at the Oasis stage: “How Sensory Design Shapes Inclusive Spaces.” Presented in partnership with Turf and moderated by Francisco Brown of Metropolis Magazine, the panel brought together experts Caroline Noble (Ames Design Collective), Faraz Shah (Turf Design), and Elizabeth Von Lehe (CannonDesign). The discussion dove into the evolving role of sensory design in shaping more inclusive, human-centered environments across workspaces, public institutions, and beyond.

Redefining Sensory Design
The panel began by defining sensory design not just as an aesthetic pursuit but as a multi-sensory engagement with space. As Caroline Noble noted, effective sensory design goes beyond the visual and includes sound, smell, touch, and even proprioception—our sense of body position in space. This sense is critical in designing for neuroinclusion, as it impacts how grounded and oriented people feel in a space.

Each speaker emphasized that good sensory design is about intentional layering. Elizabeth Von Lehe described it as setting a “vibe”—where elements like lighting, acoustics, color, and tactility coalesce to create a mood. Faraz Shah added that sensory design isn’t just about comfort but about empowering people with choice, particularly in public or workspace environments.

Strategies for Neuroinclusive Design
The conversation touched deeply on neurodivergent design, a topic gaining traction as more organizations prioritize inclusive work environments. Von Lehe emphasized that true inclusivity means offering multiple sensory options to accommodate different needs—quiet areas, collaborative zones, and personal retreats.

One example was Turf’s new headquarters in downtown Chicago, where the team applied a wide variety of acoustic, visual, and spatial strategies to balance office function with showroom flair. Shah highlighted the use of acoustic materials that aren’t overbearing—a nod to the misconception that more sound absorption always equals better sound quality.

Noble and Shah also pointed to ongoing research, including their Soundscapes initiative, which aims to translate the calming harmonies of nature into architectural acoustics. They referred to this as “biophilic design for the ears,” blending digital fabrication with organic inspiration.