Evolving Spaces: Sensory Rooms [HSW]

Sensory rooms have evolved from therapeutic tools in clinical settings to essential features in high-stress environments like airports, sports stadiums, and public spaces. These spaces provide a refuge for individuals, especially those prone to sensory overload, by integrating inclusive design principles and the core expertise of occupational therapists in sensory processing and integration. This presentation explores how sensory rooms address sensory challenges while focusing on practical adaptations for public space design. Key elements such as safety, accessibility, biophilic design, and sensory zoning will be highlighted, emphasizing their role in creating thoughtful, inclusive spaces. Attendees will gain insights into designing sensory rooms that balance effectiveness, feasibility, and user needs, along with strategies for integrating these spaces into high-traffic environments. Sensory rooms are now vital tools for enhancing comfort and wellbeing in fast-paced settings.


Francisco Lasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIA

Inclusive Design Lead

GFT

With over a decade of experience as an occupational therapist, Francisco has worked with individuals of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds, focusing on a variety of disabilities. His expertise in human-centered design, task analysis, and accessibility gives him a uniquely empathetic and functional perspective when it comes to architecture and design. He leads the development of GFT’s Inclusive Design Guidelines and mentors inclusive design interns supporting the firm's architecture team. He advocates for greater involvement of occupational therapists in the design process, actively engaging with thought leaders in inclusive design and collaborating with academic institutions to advance research on inclusive design. 

Jessica Kronberg, MS, OTR/L, ECHM

Occupational Therapist

M Street Pediatric Therapy

Jessica Kronberg is an Occupational Therapist specializing in facilitation of functional participation in everyday routines and activities with a variety of clientele. She has her Executive Certificate in Home Modification and has training in assessment and treatment of sensory processing skills. She is passionate about inclusion, accessibility, advocacy and collaborating closely with those she is working with. She also has a strong interest in inclusive design and believes in design for all.

Lisa Adams, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP

Director of CitizenHKS & Sustainable Design Leader, Interiors

HKS

Lisa Adams is a Principal at HKS, a global design firm named by Fast Company as “a best workplace for innovators”. In her role as Sustainable Design Leader for Interiors, she promotes research and sustainability, including healthy materials and carbon reduction strategies, as part of forward-thinking design solutions. She is Director of Citizen HKS, an initiative within HKS dedicated to pro-bono public interest design projects. From food banks to sensory rooms supporting neurodiversity, Citizen HKS projects apply innovative design thinking to create positive social change.

Meg Gruber, MS OTR/L, CLC

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

M Street Pediatric Therapy

Meg is an Occupational Therapist who works with children spanning ability levels and sensory processing profiles. Meg is passionate about creating spaces that support participation in daily routines and collaborating with families and schools to offer supportive and accessible environments for all children. She has collaborated with schools to develop a sensory room that can be tailored to any child's needs during the school day. Additionally, she created a manual to support ongoing use of the space by a variety of professionals. She cares about creating a world in which all people can access their environment for learning and engagement.
This content will not be available until 06/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT)