The Neurodiverse City, led by School of Architecture faculty Abby Coover, Sera Ghadaki, and Sonya Gimon of WIP Collaborative, Design Trust for Public Space, Verona Carpenter Architects, and a network of disability advocates, is reimagining New York City public spaces — streets, playgrounds, plazas, and more — to better support neurodiversity.
Guided by site-specific sensory audits and design workshops with neurodivergent New Yorkers in partnership with AHRC NYC, WIP Collaborative is testing a neuroinclusive design prototype at a privately-owned public space in the Financial District. The design will be installed this month and available for the public to interact with over the next couple of weeks. The “room-like space” will feature welcoming built elements for seating, rest, and a calm atmosphere, demonstrating how designing for neurodiversity improves the city experience for all.
Join us on September 18, 2025 from 5:30-7 PM for The Neurodiverse City: Design Prototype Launch in Lower Manhattan, a first-look and new vision for making NYC more accessible for all.