Although sensory spaces are becoming quite common in places that focus on children, like schools and libraries, they aren’t yet the norm in other frequently visited public areas like airports, hospitals and shopping centers. Unfortunately, some of these settings are bound to offer quite a bit of sensory overload for someone that is already struggling. When a designer or architect is able to include some form of sensory room in their initial design process, the task is mush easier than trying to figure out how to create one after construction has been completed.

How to focus on sensory experiences in interior design

The practice of considering sensory needs when designing public spaces is a fairly new trend, however it’s one that is growing in popularity and importance. As more people are finding themselves coping with anxiety, stress and both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental processing disorders, the ability to take a pause is more needed than ever.

When designing public buildings, a great way to support these individuals is to incorporate sensory spaces as part of the initial design process, rather than as an afterthought. Creating a dedicated room or space for a sensory experience is a great way to ensure all public spaces are safe and welcoming to everyone, including those who may have troubles processing more engaging or busy places.

Even outside of a sensory room a building designer can include features and experiences that appeal to a wider audience. Incorporating wood, warm colours and plants can help turn a cool and stark space into something cozier and more welcoming, while installing carpet and sound dampeners can help muffle distracting and overwhelming sounds, for example.

Benefits of sensory spaces in public buildings

Much like in a school setting, a sensory room in a public building is meant to create a calming environment for anyone who visits. The ability to step away from a high energy space and into a calmer and more relaxing one can help both children and adults to better manage their mental health. Some top benefits of creating a sensory space in a public area may include:

• Helps reduce overstimulation
• Reduces anxiety and offers the chance to learn new coping mechanisms
• Encourages visitors to take on tasks that they may otherwise avoid, like going shopping or booking a trip
• Offers a place for people to retreat to when the outside space is becoming too overwhelming
• Engages the senses, without overwhelming or stressing them
• Offers an engaging space for education and development

Types of sensory spaces and tools to include

When adding a sensory space to a building that is already being used, we’re left at the mercy of what sort of space is available for the purpose. However, when creating new buildings designers are able to incorporate a dedicated space right from the get go during the design process. There are a number of difference sensory room styles and activities that could be included, depending on how much space we’re given to work with. Some ideas might include:

A dark room – Geared more for those who have vision impairments, a dark room might feel almost like a glow room. Tools like UV lights, florescent colours and soft, cushy set against a dark and dim background can offer a relaxing and calm oasis from the chaos outside.

An interactive room, or interactive tools within the room – Interactive projectors and virtual reality games encourage visitors to remove themselves from their current reality and instead engage with their immediate surroundings. This can help reduce the anxiety tied to their experience outside of the sensory space.

A garden space – Although not traditionally considered a sensory space, a garden is an excellent way to incorporate sensory space tools in a unique way. Being outdoors is often a relaxing experience for most, and if the space is designed with comfortable furniture and an abundance of peace and quiet, along with tactile experiences it can be the perfect option.

A traditional calming room – The most common sensory space is one that includes a variety of calming tools like dimmable lights, comfortable furniture, sensory toys, tactile rugs and wall panels and interactive technology. This combination of activities is suitable for visitors of all ages and cognitive abilities, so remains a top choice in any public space.  

Incorporating a sensory space is good for everyone

Although many people may not understand the need for a sensory space in a public building, the positive effects it can have will benefit everyone who comes in contact with someone who find value in it. The ability to step away from the anxiety-inducing needs of a public space and into an area that will allow them to breath and refocus their mind in a more manageable direction will help visitors approach the overstimulation outside in a healthier way.

Sensory Room Environment in Children’s Hospital

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For Educators & Parents, Sensory Spaces are Invaluable and Supportive for Kids

Creating a sensory space in a home or a school is growing trend, and has many benefits for both students and educators. Dedicating a space or a room to the sensory needs of students can help educators create the most beneficial learning environment for all of their students. It is not uncommon for educators to have a student that may need an adjustment in their attitude or surroundings, so the ability to offer them a time out in a sensory space can help them take time to calm down, while allowing teachers to make a non-punitive removal from the classroom.

[Time outs] are recommended by most pediatricians as a way to curb negative behaviors ranging from talking back to physical aggression. Research indicates that when used properly — along with other techniques that balance nurture and structure — time outs are effective and do not cause harm.

Child Mind Institute “Are Timeouts Harmful for Children“

One of the arguments (dismissed by most child psychologists) against timeouts is that it isolates children. As noted above, when used properly, they’re effective. However, time outs in sensory spaces contribute to positive behavours and outcomes. It enhances the child/student’s experience and aides in calming behaviour and aggression.

Sensory space in a school can have a calming effect

Although the goal of a classroom is to foster inclusion and acceptance, there are times when a child may need to be removed due to attitude or behaviour issues. However, punishing this behaviour can often lead to a child acting out further, whether out of anger or confusion. Having an on-site sensory space can present the teacher with an opportunity to give the student space to calm down on their own, without the pressure of their classmates nearby. Often removing a child from a situation and placing them in a calming space will have a more positive result than punishing them would.

A sensory space that is filled with calming features can help these students naturally release their anger and anxiety, leading to a calmer interaction when they return. Features like dim lights, comfortable chairs, quiet music, and low stimulation toys can help a child improve their reactions and behavior naturally.

Beneficial for everyone involved

When a child is being disruptive in class, they can be a distraction to everyone in the room. In these situations, the most beneficial option for everyone is to remove the disruptive child from the space so that the remaining students can continue on with their day. However, simply sending the child into the hallway or down to the office isn’t likely to heal the issue that led to their disruptions in the first place. A sensory space can offer children a dedicated and quiet place to take a time out and reflect on the situation, without pushing for an immediate resolution. This option is beneficial for everyone involved for many reasons.

• Helps relieve the teacher during a stressful situation
• Offers the removed student the opportunity to calm down and distance from the situation in their own unique way
• Provides a place to retreat to when the school setting becomes triggering or stressful
• Gives teachers a safe space to interact with and learn about their unique students
• Allows providers to understand and learn about the needs of individual students, and cultivate a space that helps them feel safe
• Allows the rest of the class to be separated from disruptive behaviour
• Sometimes participants need space from each other, which a sensory room can provide
• Kids with sensory processing and learning disorders like ADHD and Autism

A sensory space doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated

When you start looking into the features to include in a sensory space there are nearly endless options of activities, toys and tools. However, a sensory space doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy. Simply providing a space for students to retreat to when they need it can make the difference for many kids. Including a projector or virtual reality tech can be a fun and helpful addition, but often starting simple with good lighting, a variety of books, interactive toys, and calming sounds with comfortable places to sit is a great way to go.

A sensory space is not a punishment

Regardless of why a child is encouraged or led to visit a sensory space, it is essential that they do not come to see it as a punishment. Many children process things in unique ways, so a sensory space is a great way to honour their uniqueness while also removing them from a triggering situation. This removal helps the remaining children feel safe and cared for, while also offering the disruptive student a break without being punished.

Many options for creating a great sensory space

Whether you’re able to dedicate an entire room or are just looking to furnish a small space or mobile cart, there are no rules for how to create a sensory space. Teachers can band together to plan and fill the space with tools they think would help, or they can contact a professional to help them create the perfect space. Sensory room concierge services are designed to evaluate the needs of everyone involved and advise or curate the tools that will have the biggest impact. Teachers spend so much of their time looking out for the best of their students, and creating a great sensory space is another tool that will help them continue to do that.

Sensory spaces can serve a variety of different purposes depending on who is visiting it and what they are hoping to get from the experience. Taking some time to consider the goals of your sensory space will help you decide the best way to set it up for maximum effectiveness. The lighting, sounds, furniture, toys and equipment you include will help guide visitors towards the mood you are trying to create. A calming sensory space will help kids in a number of different ways, and considering the needs of the children that will use it will help you create the perfect space for them.

A calming sensory room benefits many struggling children

Kids who struggle with a number of different issues can benefit from spending time in a calming sensory space. A space that reduces stimulation and stress can help kids to step away from stressors and experience a calmer attitude. Those who struggle with autism, ADHD, behavioural issues, anxiety, vision issues and other sensory processing issues will all benefit from having a dedicated calm space in which to spend time.

Creating a calming sensory space

Filling your area with things that help induce a calm and quiet atmosphere is the best way to ensure kids will benefit from this style of sensory space. The lighting, sounds, equipment and furniture you choose to include will all play a significant role in how kids interact with their surroundings and what they take away from their time there.

Ideal lighting for a calming space

When creating a calming sensory space, you want to use lighting that isn’t too harsh or bright. Children looking for a calming space will benefit from lighting with yellow tones and the ability to be dimmed. Dimmable lights allow the space to be adjusted to the needs of the child using it, so that their experience can be very personal to them. You can also use Christmas or string lights, battery powered candles, glow sticks, lava lamps and bubble tubes to set the mood for your calming sensory room.

Best equipment to encourage calmness

When creating your sensory space, the list of toys and equipment that you can include is endless. While some spaces are designed to help stimulate a child, others are intended to help calm them. The equipment that you include will play a significant role in what kind of space is created. Some ideas of items to bring into your calming sensory space include:

• Bubble tubes, walls or lamps
• An hourglass or Zen sand garden
• Fidget toys
• A tactile mat, wall or carpet
• Stress balls
• Magic sand
• Expanding Ball
• Silly putty, play-do or modelling clay
• Stuffed animals
• Weighted blanket
• Colouring books
• An interactive projector system

Calm-inducing furniture

While a sensory space created for a high-energy child might focus on using furniture that can allow movement, like trampolines and climbing ropes, a calming sensory space should include furniture that encourages relaxation. Items like beanbag chairs, floor pillows, hammocks and anything that can encourage kids to relax and unwind are perfect for a calming sensory space.

Best sounds for a calming sensory space

The background sounds in a sensory space can also play a role in the mood that’s created. A calming space should feature calm sounds to help children immerse in the experience. A sound machine can help you find the right sounds for your space. Tracks that include the sound of moving water like rain, bubbling streams, waves hitting the shore or a waterfall are typically very relaxing and calming. Soft instrumental music is also often quite calming. However, you’ll want to evaluate your particular child or children before committing to something as their interests and needs will vary.

How to create a calming environment

Even if all you have is a small corner of a room in which to create a sensory space, there are many things that you can do in order to maximize its effect on children. Combining the right lighting, sounds, toys, equipment and furniture is the best way to create a space that exudes calmness. Once you have figured out where your sensory space will be, you can start deciding what will go into it. Start by choosing a comfy seat and mood lighting, then add a few toys or activities that can help create a calm atmosphere. 

A sensory space can be simple to implement

Even if you’re dealing with fairly restricted space, you can create a mobile sensory cart or bin that can go wherever the child does, with small items that are portable. A sensory space does not need to take up an entire room or be anything over the top in order to be effective. Kids will benefit from having even a small area dedicated to providing tools to help them experience calmness. The sights, sounds, lighting and equipment you choose will help them to get the most out of a calming sensory space, regardless of where and how big it is.

When building a sensory room for children there are a wide variety of items that you can include that will help engage, relax, destress and stimulate. One such tool is an interactive sensory projector system. This modern technology can help children interact with and learn from their environment through exploration, movement and collaboration. The rewards that children of all ages, abilities and sensory needs can experience from using a gaming sensory room will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

At SensoryOne, we offer OM Interactive sensory projector systems across North America. Our experts will review applications and games suitable for your intended group – ideal for children and elderly groups.

Many benefits of a sensory projector system

Sensory projectors are a relatively new technology that blend visual cues with physical engagement in order to create a beneficial sensory environment that is catered towards the individuals looking to use it.

Stimulate the brain and body

The images, programs and games projected on an interactive projector encourage children to both physically and mentally engage with the experience. With a responsive system that responds to all movements big and small, kids will quickly learn the effect that their participation can have on their surroundings.

Encourages learning

A sensory projector system makes learning fun, even for children who struggle with learning delays, disabilities and differences.

Improves socialization

Projector systems encourage children to work together in order to engage with whatever image is being displayed. Multiplayer games and team challenges encourage kids to socialize and play together to reach a common goal.

Encourages both independent and collaborative play

The interesting and immersive games and activities can be catered to both individuals and groups of kids.

Geared towards engaging atypical and special needs children

With a variety of different activities and programs available, sensory room leaders can cater the offerings to the children they would like to entertain and engage.

Benefits mental and emotional health

Having a space in which they feel comfortable and accepted can help children to gain a sense of belonging and improved self-worth. This can lead to improved moods and increased emotional stability.

Benefits of creating a gaming sensory room for high child engagement

A gaming sensory room often involves using an interactive projector to create a stimulating and immersive experience that will have many positive effects on the day to day lives of those using it. A gaming sensory room has many benefits for its visitors including:

• Stimulates the imagination
• Encourages children of various abilities and backgrounds to work and play together
• Calls for active participation
• Promotes physical and mental development
• Improves language and communication skills
• Provides engaging and stimulating content
• Promotes the development of problem-solving and collaboration skills
• Allows children to control their immediate environment and experience instant rewards
• Offers opportunities for socialization that are specific to each child’s abilities
• Improves gross and fine motor skills
• Encourages families to play together and get to know each others needs, without pressure
• Can offer both calming or stimulating activities

OMi projection systems are a winning choice

The OMi brand of projection system offers a variety of options that are easily adapted to the space being used, and the people looking to use it. The incredibly responsive projections are perfect for both groups and individuals of all ages and abilities. With built-in applications and themed suites of games and programs, the OMi system is an excellent option for those looking to build a sensory gaming room.

Depending on the area you are looking to outfit with a projection system, you have a few options to choose from:

OmiVista

Available in both mounted and portable models, the omiVista projects images onto horizontal surfaces like floors and tables. Choose the Install Interactive model if you intend to mount the projector to the ceiling and won’t be moving it around. The Mobii Magic Surface is the most versatile model available as it can be moved around as needed and can even project onto small spaces like beds and tray tables.

OmiReflex

The omiReflex is also available in mounted and portable models, however this version projects onto vertical surfaces like walls and drop-down screens. This model can allow users to upload their own sounds, images and videos which brings in another level of interaction for the user. Another interesting benefit to the mobile version of the Reflex, the Mobile Interactive model, is that it can connect to game consoles like Apple TV, Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect.

OmiSky

As you may guess from the name, the omiSky projects onto the ceiling. Installed on a wall, this model projects a mirror image of the users on the ground onto the ceiling, while an app projects an image alongside them. Kids are then able to interact with the projection while looking up from a comfortable seated or laying position.

An interactive gaming room is the ultimate sensory tool

For those children who will benefit from using a sensory room, an interactive gaming room is the next level of support. A projection system can help both children and adults overcome many challenges, while engaging in their world in a manner that they feel comfortable with.