As part of the London Festival of Architecture’s 2025 Studio Lates, John Robertson Architects (JRA) recently hosted VOICES – an evening of thought-provoking talks and an immersive exhibition exploring systemic barriers to accessibility in London’s built environment, and how the industry is working to become more inclusive.
Visitors to VOICES were invited to imagine a London shaped by the senses – where sound, touch, movement, smell, and sight inform more responsive, inclusive spaces. With a focus on accessibility, neurodiversity, and mental wellbeing the exhibition encouraged a shift from basic compliance to truly transformative design.
JRA’s theme challenged traditional narratives around disability and inclusion. Architects, consultants, wellbeing practitioners, disabled people’s organisations, and pupils from Star Primary School in East London all contributed to a collective exploration of how we can design spaces that welcome everybody and mind.
The evening featured talks from industry leaders in inclusive design:
- Poppy Levison, member of the DisOrdinary Architecture Project and whose work to promote inclusive architecture earned her a 2024 RIBA Journal Rising Star award
- Chris Laing, an architectural designer, inclusivity consultant and Founder of Signstrokes and Deaf Architecture Front (DAF), which launched at RIBA in 2023
- Representatives from David Bonnett Associates, specialists in the provision of inclusive design within the commercial real estate sector. With a diverse and skilled team, DBA has worked across the City of London, including 22 Bishopsgate, 30 St Mary Axe, and 20 Fenchurch Street
A bespoke light installation by Mark Hensman of EQ2 LIGHT: Light, Colour & Perception introduced a sensory layer to the exhibition. Part of EQ2 Light’s ongoing research, Light, Colour & Perception examined how light influences human interaction and wellbeing — both psychologically and physiologically.
Drawing on mid-20th century studies by Arie Andries Kruithoff and Faber Birren, the piece invited participants to move through self-selected lighting environments with varying colours and intensities. This experience highlighted the nuanced relationship between light, perception and comfort – especially for neurodiverse individuals. Rooted in a responsive design philosophy, the installation challenged the notion of ‘one-size-fits-all’ lighting. It emphasised the need for adaptability to reduce sensory overload by incorporating research-informed elements such as diffuse lighting, low glare and circadian rhythm alignment.
Chris Laing, Deaf Architecture Front
Attendees also discussed existing barriers within the built environment for disabled or neurodivergent participants. Chris Laing highlighted the systemic under-representation of the deaf community within the built environment – as indicated by a diverse polling evidence base:
- 64% of polled deaf people report not engaging with architecture
- In the deaf community, only 5% have had work experience in architecture firms
- 80% of polled deaf people, either did not feel public consultations were accessible to them or were not familiar with their operation
- Only 12% of BSL translators / interpreters were familiar with BSL architectural terminology
Poppy Levison, DisOrdinary Architecture Project
Exhibition attendees also heard from Poppy Levison, whose work explores how to embed blind inclusive design into London’s built environment; and how, through the DisOrdinary Architecture Project, the built environment is looking to follow more inclusive design choices, beyond the regulatory regime set by Approved Document M. Poppy also discussed how this document, the main guide for architects to ensure that people are able to access and use buildings, is now broadly considered to need wider coverage of issues.
Gary Hopkins, I Love Coffee
Finally, Gary Hopkins, the Founder of I Love Coffee, discussed how the private sector can enable greater economic freedom for disabled individuals. Hopkins’ pioneering coffee chain works to recruit and train deaf individuals to become baristas – and now has several units across his native South Africa and the UK. Noting the differences between the South African deaf community and the UK’s, Hopkins demonstrated how the retail sector can break down communication barriers, whilst promoting economic independence.
As recognised innovators in inclusive design, JRA also presented two recently completed schemes during the exhibition – and the lessons learnt from each project.
x+why, 100 Embankment, Manchester
JRA designed a co-working space for x+why, in collaboration with Salford City Council, and Ask Real Estate. JRA’s design, completed as part of the final stages in the strategic regeneration of the wider Greengate neighbourhood provided more than 34,000 sq ft of space across the building.
Tailored to the needs of B-Corp businesses, organisations committed to high standards of social performance, sustainability, and wellbeing, JRA’s design placed a sensitive emphasis on inclusivity for neurodivergent users.
Throughout the development, broad floor plates were retained to maximise flexibility of usage – while 100 Embankment’s minimal number of supporting columns create long sightlines. Reflecting the industry’s commitment to communal working, JRA installed collaboration spaces, event spaces and meeting bars.
Lighting schemes were deliberately set below British Council for Offices (BCO) standards to support neurodivergent sensory requirements, and each floor features a bespoke colour palette reflecting local context and promoting wellbeing. These Nature-inspired palettes help avoid overstimulation and support focus.
The Northcliffe
The Northcliffe is the historically sensitive reimagining of the former headquarters of the Daily Mail, close to Fleet Street. JRA’s redesign incorporates the Grade II Listed façade of the original 1920s building and extends the building across two floors to offer 17,344 m2 of office space. The building offers extensive amenities, including three new landscaped roof terraces, lounge spaces, a library area, a quiet room, end-of-trip facilities, a café and a retail unit, all unified by references to the building’s post-industrial heritage.
This WELL Ready workplace supports neurodivergence incorporating sensory-friendly environments and natural, dimmable lighting to reduce sensory overload. The building’s atrium forms a hub space, with office floors and circulation routes arranged centrically. Clear, flexible layouts support those who rely on routine and structure, while defined pathways help reduce cognitive load and ease navigation.
Private breakout rooms and flexible workspaces offer places to decompress or choose preferred levels of interaction and focus. The incorporation of biophilic design elements such as plants and soft natural light help lower stress and create a calming, supportive atmosphere.
Nathalie Bergvall, Director at JRA, states: “We would like to thank everyone for attending our LFA studio late. It was incredibly encouraging to see such strong attendance from right across the built environment. We’re confident that the breadth and depth of representation reflects a growing, shared recognition of the importance of inclusivity in shaping the places we live, work and enjoy.
Our level of engagement sends a clear signal: the industry not only recognises the challenges around accessibility and inclusivity but is actively committed to change. We’re looking forward to building on the lessons and lived experiences shared throughout our evening – and turning those insights into more equitable, inclusive and accessible design outcomes in London and beyond.”
