an exploratory sensory experience
bombora
What’s the problem?
Currently there is a lack of design focus on creating experiential environments for sensory sensitive children in elementary school classrooms.
Why?
My focus…
A lack of calming spaces within classrooms, leaves students without a dedicated area to calm down and regulate their emotions
In answering this need, I acknowledged the opportunity to create a soft & calming landscape that isolates the child from the overwhelming classroom environment.
Hypersensitivity
Regulate Emotions
Alone Time
Anxiety
No Personal Space
Overwhelmed
How do we solve this through the senses?
focusing on…
Sight
Smell
Touch
Who?
Children who struggle with sensory sensitivity.
Where?
children are at school on average 6 hours a day, not including after school programs…
a soft & calming space to isolate from the busy world around you and explore the soft landscape.
What?
wait…
whaaat’s the answer???
Research
this is what I found…
A good classroom set up allows observation, comfort, and independence
low activity areas should have carpet, cushions, curtains,
and low ceilings to create an intimate space
Withdrawl rooms/ breakout spaces
Increase personal space (especially during nap time)
Introduction of gardens, sensory rooms
sound absorbing finishes such as Textiles
Tile, Asphalt, and Wood encourage louder activities
Using colors to establish boundaries between spaces and activities
Deep purples and greens are stabilizing
“Go simple with textures by encouraging exploration”
“The goal is to observe good social behavior skills and usage of the 5 senses”
“I wish there were more calming corners”
“Maintaining stable mood is a challenge”
My inspiration…
pulled from the formations of the sea, landscape like environments, and lounge structures
exploration
stability
relaxation
imagination
curiosity
exploration stability relaxation imagination curiosity
Concepts I focused on…
pulling specific aspects from all of these, I finalized this as my final concept…
Testing…
scale
material
process
The product :)
From the shallow seashore to the deep depths of the ocean, bombora represents the movement of the nervous system. Back and forth like water, soothing your emotions as the wave of wool flows over & reflects your body heat giving you a warm and fuzzy hug to help you regain peace and clarity.
iridescent netting fabric
faux fur swirl fleece fabric
river stones
“Sensory Circles”
minky fabric
Bombora originates from an Australian Aboriginal word that means,
glass beads
“a wave which forms over a submerged offshore reef or rock”
tufted sea sponge inspired dome
green velvet
natural wood half spheres
feather cloth