Isabella Reynolds

Soft spaces. Investigating pain-sensitive design in public buildings

Isabella’s study investigates how physical environments can positively affect people living with chronic pain in public spaces. Her research invites designers to consider the impacts that public spaces have on people with chronic pain, and the potential for design decisions to positively affect a person’s pain experience.

Isabella offers a set of considerations to prompt designers. In implementing the considerations, public spaces have the potential to become more responsive and comfortable for individuals with chronic pain, while potentially enhancing the experience for all users.