Every interior communicates without words — through the acoustic reverberation, the saturation and contrast of colors, or the flicker of lighting fixtures. For the growing share of occupants who are neurodivergent — these signals are not inconsequential; they are significant to one’s experience of the space. Research shows that acoustics and the visual field are higher impact sensory variables in an interior and they are not processed independently.

This course gives architects and interior designers an introductory evidence-based approach to designing the acoustic and visual environment in concert. Participants examine who they are designing for and why these two channels dominate the research and design parameters, and the crossmodal evidence that a restorative environment is fundamentally multisensory. The course concludes with case studies showcasing that the outcome is not a specialized room for a few, it is an interior that is clearer, calmer, and more usable for everyone who occupies it.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify a range of sensory triggers in an interior space and describe the variables with higher impact across neurodivergent conditions.

2. Apply evidence-based acoustic parameters that reduce sensory barriers for neurodivergent occupants.

3. Apply evidence-based visual parameters that function as both sources of stress and comfort.

4. Explain why acoustics and visuals share a single cognitive budget and why they must be calibrated together to produce better environments for the entire population.

Course Information

SARA Course Number: AKU002

Length : 1 HR

Credits: 1 HSW

Level: Introductory

If you would like to have this SARA Certified Course presented to your office please contact your local Akustus representative or email us at CEUS@saranational.org

Contact Information:

Akustus

Yasuri Jayarathne

Operations Associate

yasuri@akustus.com

(672) 552-2292