Global architecture and design firm Corgan, in partnership with the University of Arkansas, has published new research examining how workplace environments affect attention, particularly among people with inattentive-type Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Funded by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Upjohn Research Initiative and led by Corgan’s research and innovation group, Hugo, the project recently received a Certificate of Research Excellence (CORE) from the Environmental Design Research Association. The findings are detailed in the report Focus by Design: What the ADHD Brain Teaches Us About Better Workspaces for All.
The growing need for neuroinclusive spaces
An estimated 15%–20% of the global population is neurodivergent. In the UK, approximately 1.9 million people have ADHD, while around 250,000 people in Ireland have the condition.
Inattentive-type ADHD is characterised by difficulty sustaining focus, staying organised, and managing time. These challenges can make it harder to filter distractions and maintain motivation, particularly in office settings. This has increased interest in spatial strategies that support employee productivity and well-being.
To examine how factors such as sound, light, movement, and visual distraction affect people with inattentive-type ADHD, researchers evaluated participants in both open workstations and private offices.
The study gathered data using three methods. First, researchers measured participants’ brain activity using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology before, during, and after specific environmental interventions were applied. Second, the research team recorded direct observations of participants. Third, researchers evaluated participants’ self-reported feedback on their experiences.
Key research findings
The study demonstrates that attentiveness responds to environmental cues, showing that thoughtfully designed spaces can influence cognitive performance
- Lighting shapes cognitive performance. Participants reported feeling calmer, less stressed, and more focused under dimmer, indirect lighting, whereas bright, direct lighting increased distraction and eye strain. EEG recordings confirmed higher sustained attention under diffused lighting.
- Balancing visibility and enclosure supports long-term focus. Participants whose backs faced activity reported 67% greater feelings of insecurity, despite reporting higher concentration. Conversely, open-plan layouts providing visual boundaries without complete isolation produced the lowest measured cognitive load.
- Movement supports focus in moderation. Testing of sit-stand desks, footrests, and yoga ball seating showed that brief posture changes supported comfort and focus, while continuous movement reduced them. Participants naturally shifted posture and fidgeted to regulate attention, suggesting that subtle movement may be most effective.
- Sensory balance enhances attention. Environmental interventions involving lighting, acoustic hoods, and scent revealed that focus is influenced by the total sensory experience rather than any single factor.
Overall, the findings indicate that attention is best supported through balanced, adaptable settings that allow individuals to regulate stimulation, effort, and recovery. Although the study focused on inattentive-type ADHD, the principles have broader implications for cognitive performance among employees. Inclusive workplace design recommendations are available at Focus by Design.
Industry insights
“Modern workplaces ask us to constantly process light, sound, movement, and visual activity — and while many people learn to adapt, individuals with inattentive-type ADHD often experience the effects of those environments sooner and more intensely,” said Melissa Hoelting, Assistant Director of Corgan-Hugo. “Their experiences provide an early lens into how workplace design influences attention, revealing opportunities to reduce unnecessary cognitive load before those challenges become more widespread. Designing for those insights helps create workplaces that better support focus, well-being, and performance for everyone.”
“Attention is a valuable commodity in today’s workplace. Focus drives performance, and design plays a measurable role in shaping environments that support it,” said Emily Strain, Corgan’s Workplace Interiors Sector Leader. “These research insights strengthen how we advise clients, helping translate evidence into workplace strategies that support focus, well-being, and performance for everyone.”
The AIA Upjohn Research Initiative supports evidence-based projects that advance the value of architecture, funding up to six research grants annually on topics including health, equity, resilience, and innovation.