Neuroplaces 2026 is a three-day exhibition and thought leadership event exploring how neuroscience can shape the design of the built environment.
Held at Protein Studios in London's Shoreditch from 15 - 17 September, the event is part of the London Design Festival and Shoreditch Design Week, uniting professionals from the design, architecture, technology, and visitor experience fields.
The programme examines how people perceive and interact with physical spaces through installations, exhibitions, talks, and discussions.
Neuroplaces explores human behaviour, wellbeing, sensory design, and cognitive responses. Visitors learn how evidence-based design is applied across sectors like museums, retail, workplaces, and hospitality to create engaging, inclusive, and meaningful spaces.
Alongside curated exhibits, Neuroplaces offers networking opportunities, promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, and highlights emerging ideas, products, and research shaping future place-making.
Attendees can also explore a broader schedule of exhibitions, installations, and events throughout the Shoreditch design district, as part of London Design Festival and Shoreditch Design Week.
Programme highlights
Delegates will be able to hear from the leading voices shaping the future of neuroinclusive and accessible design, with keynotes, panels, and discussions taking place on days one and two, and workshops scheduled for day three.
Sessions not to miss include Sensory Mapping: the value of predictability in the built environment, on Tuesday afternoon, led by Rebecca Adda, inclusive environments consultant at Buro Happold.
Sensory maps provide advance insights into the sensory aspects of built environments, such as noise, lighting, crowding, smells, and opportunities for rest. They help people anticipate and navigate spaces with greater confidence and control.
This session shares research that explores how sensory maps can be designed and used effectively, emphasising co-design processes that incorporate lived experiences.
Also on Tuesday afternoon, the case study panel discussion, Designing for neurodivergence - inclusive transport environments, is a 45-minute panel organised by Transport for London (TfL) exploring how transport systems can better support neurodivergent passengers through inclusive design, policy, and innovation.
The discussion will integrate design, operational, and lived experience viewpoints to explore ways to make transport environments more accessible, predictable, and comfortable for everyone.
TfL's Amy Edgar, diversity and inclusion specialist; Simone West, principal engineer; Jon Hunter, head of design; and Allison Peter, vice chair of TfL’s Independent Disability Advisory Group, will lead this session.
On Wednesday afternoon, the workshop Designing neuroinclusive events – From venue to visitor experience will draw on real-world experience from both venue and organiser perspectives. The session will share lessons learned, common challenges, and actionable strategies applicable across conferences, exhibitions, meetings, and live events.
In collaboration with Welcome Brain, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), this workshop covers practical strategies for designing events that better accommodate neurodivergent attendees.
Gayle McGuinn, associate director of sales at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), and Sian Thomas, head of corporate engagement and events, UCISA, will lead this workshop.
This is followed by A Practical Toolkit for Neuroinclusive Tourism, exploring how tourism businesses can create better experiences for neurodivergent visitors.
Presented by Ross Calladine, accessibility and regenerative tourism lead at Visit England, this session introduces VisitEngland’s toolkit and explores practical steps that attractions, destinations, accommodation providers, and hospitality businesses can take to create more inclusive visitor experiences.
For more information and to register for the event, please click here.
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
