Synopsis

This presentation explores how sensory-informed design was embedded throughout the development of an inpatient mental health unit in rural England, which was awarded Design in Mental Health Project of the Year 2026. Using a real-world case study, it demonstrates how considerations such as colour, light, layout, acoustics, materials and access to nature can be used to create environments that feel calm, safe and therapeutic.

The session will share practical examples, lessons learned and key outcomes from the project, showing how sensory-informed design can be successfully delivered within the realities of healthcare design and construction. Delegates will gain practical, transferable insights that can be applied to mental health, autism, learning disability and wider healthcare settings.