Joey Pods - Designing safe spaces for Autism

Designing sensory pods for public spaces:

This project aims to create a final design for a modular pods that can be used in public spaces, schools, hospitals and events for people with neurological conditions. This will create a safe space for people who may have sensory processing problems. 

Watch our talk with Pervasive Media Studios, Watershed about the story and where we would like to take the project.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) have trouble with 2 main areas : sensory processing and forms of communication.  Sensory stimuli can hugely impact the way in which someone with ASD can communicate, whether through noise, sign language or a smile.

It is estimated 1 in 100 children in the UK have a diagnosis of ASD, with numbers of those diagnosed in schools rising.  Although there is no research to suggest exactly why this is, some say it is due to more awareness or the addition of Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Development Disorder (PSS) to the ASD diagnosis.  In a new report by Ambitious about Autism’s Youth Patrons, four out of five young people with autism suffer from mental health issues.  This can also have a huge positive impact on the carers of ASD children, feeling isolated and unable to work due to care needs.  

My story:

My name is Angharad, I have recently graduated from BSc Architecture at UWE and now doing a Masters in Computational Architecture at UWE, Bristol, focusing on sensory design.  After my Masters I will be doing my PhD in a topic surrounding Sensory Architecture and aim to become a Sensory Design Consultant. 

I have ADHD and have an 11 year old son who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) in 2019.  He is amazing, bright and inspiring but day to day life can be a struggle, depending on his surroundings. When I spoke to the Bristol ASD community I found I wasn't alone.  Many families feel isolated and feel that Architecture has a big part to play in sensory overload.   This led me to focus on how I can help the community- share their stories, create more awareness, but also how we can make safe spaces for people with neurological conditions.  

Quotes from the ASD community in Bristol:

“There needs to be more awareness of need for space (a quiet room away from everything), sensory reduction (wall colours, smells, foot passage and lighting and sound), need for control (people following expected routes, knowing exactly what facilities and layout a place has)”

“Just to get people recognising autism and the way it can vary from each individual. I still get stared at in shops when my almost ten age daughter melts down because she can’t cope with the surroundings and sensory stimulations. Get more people talking and recognising hidden disabilities! “

“The equality act has been around for a long time. Bristol has declared itself an autism city but it still seems to be lip service. If they want to lead there should be education, celebrations of those that do it right and methods to ensure that those that don’t will do”

“I’m not aware designated spaces exists, it would be amazing to have more safe spaces for people with hidden disabilities like ASD”

“It has been a hard and lonely journey but it only takes 1 person to understand and be there for you either as a parent or as a family”

“Public spaces like shops or venues are not designed very well to cater for ASD needs, lots of shops have lighting that is glaringly bright and buzzes.”

First Prototype:

Our first prototype was designed and built with a budget of £1,500, funded by UWE x Bristol Beacon and exhibited in September 2021.  We received amazing feedback and great ideas on how we can expand on the idea of Joey Pods.  The first prototype was built on a tight budget and there were many elements we weren't able to create, but see below on what we wanted to do....

How will develop it further?  

Music - We are working with George Baynes who is creating a series of soundscapes for our public spaces pod, which we will then translate into visualisations with LED lights.  He will also be working with myself to translate live music into visualisations within the pod for our festival events.  This will allow people who feel overwhelmed by crowds to experience festivals in a secure environment.

Lighting - Using SEN research I will be translating music into visuals with LED lighting.  We will also create ‘light seeking’ sensors for public spaces as some with ASD enjoy the reactions to light as a stimuli.  This will also allow us to create public installations to help showcase new ideas and work with artists.  

Structure - Working with UWE Engineering Department we will create a structurally safe pod, with easy assemble and dismantling.  They have designed and produced rigging, storage and many other products.  We will also have Luke McCoy on our team as our carpenter, ensuring the pod stays beautiful and how we can use timber as our core material.

The funding will allow us to build a team of designers and work with an ASD focus group to ensure the product is suitable for public spaces.  Budget will be spent on:

-Materials for structure and fixings £3000

-LED lighting £500

-Sensors for light seeking £200

-Software to edit lighting, sound and design  £1500

-Speakers and Headphones £300

-Technician, Photographer, Videographer, Designers £2500

-Vouchers and gifts for our focus group and VIP event as thanks £1000

All people involved will be paid a fair wage, going by the Arts Council recommended pay scales.

Rewards:

Reward 1 : £20 - You will forever be on our website to say thank you for supporting the project. Please leave your name or business name.

Reward 2 : £100 - You will forever be on our website to say thank you for supporting the project. Please leave your name or business name. You will also receive a ticket to attend the prototype launch, to enjoy a sensory music experience.

Silver Reward : £250 - You will forever be on our website to say thank you for supporting the project. Please leave your name or business name. You will also receive a ticket for 2 to enjoy a sensory music experience in the prototype, including a food hamper.

Gold Reward : £1,000 : Your logo or name will on our website, highlighted on social media and launch event. 4 tickets to our VIP launch evening with food and drinks.

Platinum Reward : £5,000 : Your logo will be on a plaque for the first 20 pods produced and prominent place in our advertising. Your business highlighted on social media and advertised at the launch event. 10 tickets to our VIP launch evening with food and drinks. ***You will also receive your own pod for home or workplace - Please contact for further details***

Please share the crowdfunder!

Below I have written some suggested posts with links to help share the project.  Thank you for your support!

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @Joey_Pods

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/joeypods

https://www.joeypods.com/

Suggested Twitter post:

I am supporting the Joey Pod Crowdfunder.  Raising money to design pods for the Autistic community within public buildings, hospitals, schools and live events.  Please share and support Angharad’s project - highlighting stories and experiences from an isolated community in a Neuro-typical world.  shorturl.at/opqE0 #JoeyPods

Suggested Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook post:

Joey Pods - Designing safe spaces for Autism.

I am supporting Angharad with her Crowdfunder - JoeyPods.  She is a recently graduate from BSc Architecture at UWE and studying MSc Computational Architecture. Angharad is developing an expertise in sensory design.  After her Masters she will be doing a PhD in a topic surrounding Sensory Architecture and aim to become a Sensory Design Consultant. 

Angharad has ADHD and has an 11 year old son who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) in 2019.  He is amazing, bright and inspiring but day to day life can be a struggle, depending on his surroundings.  This led her to focus on how she can help the community - share their stories, create more awareness, but also how she can make safe spaces for people with neurological conditions - support Angharad creating the next generation of Autistic Space by helping her raise the money here -

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/joeypods

Contact:

Feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information about the project

[email protected]

JOEY PODS LTD

13869047 - Incorporated on 24 January 2022