Effective Multisensory Design: How to Engage Building Occupant Senses
biofilico concept design for a multi sensory room in a university building
Introduction to Multisensory Design
Imagine walking into a building or interior space and feeling not just visually impressed but also emotionally uplifted, comforted by the air you breathe, and inspired by the gentle sounds around you.
This is the essence of multisensory design—an intentional approach that engages multiple senses to create truly immersive experiences.
It goes beyond aesthetics, incorporating visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and even gustatory elements, all of which play a role in how individuals experience a space, through all sensory aspects.
Biophilic design
For wellness-focused environments, such as those Biofilico specializes in, integrating multisensory elements is key to promoting physical and mental well-being.
By thoughtfully designing biophilic spaces that connect people to nature and stimulate multiple senses, it’s possible to create environments with sensory qualities that promote relaxation, focus, and well-being.
Understanding the Senses
To create effective multisensory experiences, it’s important to understand how each of the five senses contributes to how we perceive our surroundings:
Sight: The visual element is the most obvious sense, affecting our initial impression of a space. Colors, lighting, and patterns influence emotions and cognitive performance.
Sound: The auditory environment can either promote calmness or cause stress. Soundscapes are carefully curated to include soothing natural elements like water or bird songs.
Touch: Textures add depth to an environment, contributing to how comfortable and connected we feel. Natural materials, like wood and stone, offer tactile comfort.
Smell: The olfactory experience has a powerful impact on mood and memory. Aromas from natural elements can create a welcoming atmosphere.
Taste: Although not directly related to interior design, offering herbal teas or natural snacks enhances the sensory environment and complements the overall experience.
At Biofilico, our projects aim to stimulate these senses to create healthier, more harmonious indoor spaces. Whether it’s incorporating lush greenery to add color and texture or installing a calming water feature, we strive to create biophilic designs that improve user experiences.
biofilico zen room with multi sensory design for a student accommodation development in the UK
Designing for Multiple Senses with multi sensory design!
Designing for the senses is not just about creating an aesthetically pleasing space; it's about ensuring that each sensory aspect contributes positively to the occupant’s experience, touching all the senses.
Here’s how we do this at Biofilico:
Sight: Visual Connection to Nature
Incorporating natural light is a fundamental aspect of any wellness design project. Daylight fosters well-being, productivity, and happiness. Biofilico designs often feature large windows, skylights, or strategically placed openings to maximize natural light.
In addition to natural light, choosing natural colors and materials can evoke a sense of calm and connection. Our designs frequently use earthy tones, timber, natural stone, and organic shapes to establish a sense of harmony and well-being.
The strategic placement of green walls or indoor plants can also enhance the visual connection to nature, making the environment more relaxing.
Sound: Creating Acoustic Comfort
Sound plays a major role in shaping a positive atmosphere. Natural sounds, such as water features, can mask distracting noises and promote relaxation.
For corporate environments, sound insulation and acoustic control are also crucial to reduce noise pollution and create a calming environment.
We might use sound-absorbing panels made from natural materials like cork or recycled wood to reduce noise levels while maintaining our commitment to sustainability, for example.
Touch: The Importance of Texture
Texture and tactile comfort are essential components of multisensory design. Natural materials like stone, wood, bamboo, and textiles made from organic fibers are not only visually pleasing but also provide a comforting tactile experience.
Incorporating different textures, such as a smooth wooden railing or a plush natural-fiber rug, can elevate the sensory richness of a space.
In a residential wellness project, Biofilico used a combination of hardwood flooring, jute rugs, and linen upholstery to create a layered, inviting sensory experience that encourages occupants to interact physically with their environment, providing a deeper sense of comfort.
Smell: The Impact of scent
Scents can evoke powerful emotions and significantly influence mood. To create a tranquil environment, we use natural aromatics such as lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus. Essential oil diffusers and plants like jasmine or rosemary are popular choices for their health benefits and mood-enhancing properties.
In our biophilic designs, we integrate elements that subtly add natural scents to the space, creating an environment that smells fresh and organic rather than artificial. This helps establish a calming atmosphere, making occupants feel more connected to nature.
Taste: Complementing the Experience
While taste isn’t typically associated with interior design, it’s an important consideration in wellness-focused environments.
Spaces designed for health and well-being, such as wellness lounges or community areas, can provide natural refreshments that support the overall multisensory experience.
For example, offering herbal teas or fruit-infused water in a relaxation area can add an additional layer of comfort and hospitality.
Creating Immersive Experiences with Multiple Sensory Stimuli
Using multiple sensory stimuli together helps create a richer, more immersive experience. For example, combining the visual appeal of a green wall with the calming sound of a water feature and the fresh scent of indoor plants results in a harmonious environment that evokes a sense of tranquility.
In a project for a wellness center, Biofilico used natural wood finishes paired with diffused lighting, a soundscape of flowing water, and the scent of lavender to create a multi-layered, immersive experience.
These elements worked together to transform the space into an oasis of calm, significantly enhancing the well-being of its users.
Crossmodal Correspondences in Design
Crossmodal correspondences refer to the connections and associations between different sensory modalities.
For instance, warm colors like orange and red are often associated with warmth and comfort, whereas blue is associated with calmness. Designers can use these associations to create cohesive experiences.
In our design projects, we frequently pair warm-toned natural materials like oak with soft ambient lighting to create spaces that feel inviting and secure.
Conversely, cool-toned elements like stone or water features are paired with minimalistic decor to promote relaxation.
Designing for All the Senses
Designing for all senses means not only focusing on the five traditional senses but also on other less obvious sensory experiences, such as balance and proprioception.
For instance, incorporating ergonomic furniture and open pathways encourages free movement, providing a more intuitive sense of space.
Biofilico often considers these subtle sensory experiences in its projects by creating environments that encourage occupants to move naturally and comfortably.
Spaces with different elevation levels, like steps or small platforms, not only create visual interest but also engage the body physically, adding depth to the spatial experience.
Accessibility in Multisensory Design
Effective multisensory design must also be inclusive. This means creating spaces that are accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities.
Using tactile floor indicators, audible cues, and clear visual contrasts helps ensure that the space can be navigated comfortably by everyone, including those with disabilities.
In one of our projects for a wellness facility, Biofilico incorporated textured paths and handrails to aid the visually impaired, while also ensuring that the layout was wheelchair-friendly.
By considering the diverse needs of occupants, we ensure that everyone can benefit from the multisensory experience.
Best Practices for Effective Multisensory Design
Natural Elements:
Use natural materials, textures, and elements like water or plants to connect occupants with nature.
Lighting:
Combine natural and ambient lighting to create an adaptable and comfortable atmosphere.
Soundscapes:
Incorporate natural sounds to mask unwanted noise and improve the sense of calm.
Inclusivity:
Design with accessibility in mind to ensure that all users can benefit from the space.
Holistic Approach:
Consider how all senses interact, using crossmodal correspondences to create cohesive, immersive experiences.
The Future of Multi sensory Design
The future of multisensory design will likely involve even more immersive technologies. Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) can simulate natural environments in urban settings, allowing occupants to experience the sights, sounds, and even scents of nature without leaving their building.
Biofilico is exploring how VR can be integrated into biophilic design to enhance the experience of wellness spaces, providing access to virtual natural environments that promote relaxation and well-being.
As technology advances, these types of immersive, sensory-rich environments will become more accessible and commonplace, fundamentally enhancing the way we interact with our surroundings.
Conclusion
Multi sensory design is crucial for creating environments that are not only functional but also engaging and restorative.
By carefully considering the sensory qualities of a space—sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste—designers can create experiences that support well-being and leave a lasting impression.
At Biofilico, we are committed to designing spaces that truly enhance the quality of life for their occupants.
By integrating natural materials, sensory stimuli, and biophilic principles, we create environments that foster health, well-being, and connection.
As we continue to explore the possibilities of multisensory design, we look forward to shaping the future of wellness spaces, making them more immersive, inclusive, and enriching for everyone.