Trauma Informed Design

Blog, Wellness

By Lauren Gant, PhD, CPE, WELL AP & Jordan Arnold, Workplace Advisory Manager

Humans are much more than a system of cells, tissues, bones, and fluids. We are complex, remembering, feeling, social, and emotional creatures. We carry with us our past experiences, our histories, our cultures, and our inner understanding and interpretations of the world.

As a means of protection, our past experiences and histories can significantly inform our inner interpretation of our environment. However, past experiences may suggest responses that, while once necessary, are not fully aligned with our current realities. Trauma, specifically, may result in an inner narrative that communicates concerns and vigilance about safety, privacy, and ability to escape – and while these narratives may once have been protective, necessary, and normal, they can make navigating spaces and places difficult.

Trauma Informed Design is a pillar of inclusive design that focuses on constructing environments that “promote a sense of calm, safety, dignity, empowerment, and well-being for all occupants.”¹

The goal is to design spaces that minimize the risk of activating individuals, that allow individuals to recover and regulate if needed, and that ultimately foster inclusiveness and empowerment.

In this article, basic principles and considerations for Trauma Informed Design will be introduced. It is important to understand that we enter this conversation with empathy, compassion, and a willingness to learn and improve. It is likely impossible to do this perfectly, but it is our intention to start a conversation, to inspire thoughtful human-centric principles, and ultimately to promote compassionate environments and cultures in which people feel safe and seen.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is almost universal, with about 70% of adults in the US experiencing trauma in their lifetimes.² This statistic may feel surprisingly high, given that many consider trauma to stem from a life-changing, yet discrete or distinct event. Trauma, however, may be experienced in innumerable different modalities, intensities, and durations. Trauma may be experienced as an individual, systemically, historically, and/or environmentally. And whether an individual internalizes an experience as traumatic may depend on innumerable differences as well: the intensity and duration of experience, whether appropriate support systems are in place and active, and whether there are additional considerations like preexisting conditions or multiple, simultaneous stressors.

In our discussions, we want to discuss the impacts of trauma, and not the event(s).

An Oversimplified Discussion of Dysregulation

When we feel safe, secure, and comfortable functioning in our environment, we are in a state of regulation, our safety state.³ We can experience the full range of human emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, confusion, etc) and still maintain a regulated state of being. The defining characteristic of a regulated state is that the feeling of fear, danger, or peril is not all-consuming.

Our first, automatic and unconscious response to potentially traumatic experiences may initiate a biological reaction. For example, heart rate increases, adrenaline levels amplify, and muscles may be prepped to react (a fight response). Alternatively, heart rate may decrease, endorphins increase, and blood pressure may drop (a freeze response). These are expected, often effective responses when there is a need to respond.

When traumatic experiences are severe or chronic in nature, our bodies are constantly forced to assess the safety and security of our surroundings. The hypervigilance that is developed is carried with us constantly and may be applied to all situations and environments unilaterally. Because these responses are unconscious, our bodies may respond as if we are at risk even if there is no actual threat, making relaxation, concentration, and communication difficult, and generally removing our sense of psychological, emotional, and physical well-being.

When an individual physically and emotionally prepares to manage an unsafe situation, it is termed dysregulation.

Dysregulation may take the following forms⁴:

Fight – Responding to potential threats with aggression (physical or verbal),
Flight – Running away or escaping potential threats,
Freeze – Shutting down or becoming numb, or
Fawn – Becoming ultimately agreeable, people-pleasing, putting other’s needs ahead of your own.

Dysregulation may result in someone outwardly acting in a specific way or the experience may be completely internal. Reregulation is the process by which an individual regains a sense of security and safety after experiencing dysregulation, through employment of specific strategies or tools, in the proper spaces, and with time.

We cannot (and don’t need to) know why or how an individual is dysregulated. However, if we can be aware of common responses to trauma, we can be thoughtful in the design of spaces to reduce the likelihood of activation and to provide opportunities for reregulation.

Design to Dissuade Dysregulation

As designers and space-planners, we have a responsibility to think about the experience of the individuals within that space, and to the best of our abilities, communicate and provide a sense of safety, security, and acceptance.

While we cannot understand the full breadth of individual needs, Trauma Informed Design principles should be considered to deter common modalities of dysregulation. Below, is a non-comprehensive list of considerations through the lenses of environment, space, and furniture, that many may find helpful in maintaining regulation.⁵

Environmental Considerations

Mitigate intrusive sounds like slamming doors or buzzing from overhead lights.
Avoid visual suggestions of potential security lapses like broken windows, dark stairwells, stains, and neglected equipment.
Plan to contain odors that may be offensive by specifying smoking areas far enough away from building entry points.
Whenever possible, utilize natural lighting, or consider lighting options that are adjustable. At minimum, lighting should not flicker.

Spatial Considerations

Allow for predictable layouts and expected navigation of the space, avoid blind turns when possible.
Include areas with high ceilings and clear sightlines.
Consider cool colors that may provide a sense of calm. Avoid large areas of stark white walls.
Incorporate dedicated spaces for activities like meditation or yoga.
Consider adjacencies between spaces to be mindful of acoustics.

Furniture Considerations

Specify furniture options that portray a sense of softness and comfort. Avoid large quantities of industrial-feeling furniture.
Include options that allow for conversations to be conducted with individuals seated side-by-side, as face-to-face conversations may feel challenging at times.
Provide opportunities for a sense of refuge or protection by considering furniture options that have high backs or that wrap around the user.
Consider accessibility for a diverse workforce.
Lockable storage options, especially in environments where there are a majority of shared spaces.

 Design to Allow for Reregulation

Trauma Informed Design considerations may deter dysregulation; however, it will be impossible to completely prevent all individuals from becoming dysregulated in all situations – through no fault of the individual or the design. Therefore, it is important that the design of our environments mindfully incorporate opportunities for people to recover should they become activated.

As previously discussed, dysregulation can manifest in drastically different modalities. Below are design considerations that may allow individuals to reregulate in a way that aligns with their needs in the moment.⁵ These considerations are non-inclusive, and do not incorporate individual strategies and interventions that can be immensely impactful as they are outside of the scope of this discussion.

Fight

Reregulation from a fight response often requires a release of energy in a safe way. Examples may include exercise, running, walking, or yelling. Individuals may benefit from access to walking paths, gym equipment, and sound-proof areas.

Flight

Lowering stimulation and allowing for solitude may be helpful to individuals in a flight response who are seeking to become reregulated. Individuals may seek out a location to isolate themselves from other people, from sounds, and from any other sensory input. It may also be helpful to literally sit or lay on the ground to stimulate a sense of grounding. Private meditation or yoga spaces may be acceptable places for this reregulation.

Freeze

Many individuals experiencing dysregulation as freeze or flop benefit from opportunities to refocus on their physical presence – to ‘get back into their bodies.’ Examples of activities that may support reregulation include being able to feel a breeze, rocking, proximity to a water feature, or working on a monotonous task like a puzzle or organizing books. Design considerations may include opportunities for outdoor access, incorporation of rocking furniture, spaces to work on repetitive tasks.

Fawn

Reregulation from a fawn response can be aided by allowing for areas where individuals feel as though they provide defined physical boundaries while allowing for continued communication and interface with others. Proximity of workstations and collaborative seating should be scrutinized to ensure that employees are not at risk of feeling as though their space is being occupied without consent. Additionally, non-dedicated workspaces should thoughtfully incorporate environments where employees can be collaborative while maintaining clear separation of physical space – for example discrete lounge pieces placed at a reasonable distance, or tables that suggest delineated space.

An individual may not be able to define how or why they are dysregulated, nor should an individual have to wait to fully understand. Many individuals may simply sense unease, discomfort, or heightened sensitivity. These spaces and considerations may allow these individuals to find areas that feel comfortable in these situations as well. All spaces should be accessible, welcoming, and encouraged for all employees, in all states of regulation.

Continuum of Needs

Because individuals are diverse and experiences are singular and unique, it is likely impossible to design one space that is perfect for all trauma responses.

In fact, it is possible that there are situations where needs may be in opposition with each other. For example, the need for privacy and the need to see all areas of the environment suggest opposite space solutions. It is for this reason that we should be considering an ecosystem of spaces within the environment. With an array of space types, and product types within the spaces, the likelihood of finding a location that meets needs increases. An environment that provides choice and variation in stimulation levels, privacy levels, and physical orientation AND the cultural atmosphere to fully utilize all spaces without stigma or judgement will empower employees to meet their needs immediately and thoughtfully. It permits individuals to navigate the space without fear of being dependent on others to know/understand/perceive their inner needs, should that feel unwanted.

If we can be intentional about the diverse needs of individuals and potential ways to support those needs, our spaces are primed to be as inclusive as possible. It is important to note that continued changes and considerations may be required as needs evolve or become clearer. It is important that we respond with empathy and sensitivity as needs change.

Inclusive Design

Trauma Informed Design principles are one pillar of inclusive design, along with considerations for neurodiversity, psychological safety, and other modes of diversity.

It may seem overwhelming when we start to fully engage with the many unique (and justified) needs of all individuals. However, this work is not only to benefit the few – everyone within a space stands to benefit from these considerations. By including an ecosystem of spaces and places to support individual needs, we are also supporting different work styles and worker personalities. By creating environments in which all can feel safe and supported, we can empower employees to innovate, to be creative, and to show their unique perspectives.

Continuing the Conversation

We are committed to continuous learning about inclusive design. We look forward to engaging in conversations about Trauma Informed Design and implications for workplace culture and work points. Ultimately, we are committed to continuing to strive toward fostering well-being, nurturing connections, and supporting individuals.

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