Have you ever wondered how sounds, textures, smells, and even tastes can transform your perception of a space? When it comes to designing a public space, we often focus on the visual aspect — colors, textures, arrangements, etc. — but the other four senses are rarely considered.
However, by integrating all five senses into the design, these spaces become more vibrant, interactive, and deeply human. Imagine walking through a park where every element of urban design stimulates your senses and enriches your connection to the environment. Here are some ideas to inspire you and help you harness these often-overlooked senses in your next outdoor project!
Touch - A Sensory Park is Defined by its Materials
Touch connects us directly to our environment. It is also the king of immersive and interactive spaces. The key factor to consider for enhancing the sense of touch in your parks: the materials you use. For example, if you choose wood for your installations, opt for hardwoods that will soften over time instead of crumbling and will offer a better tactile experience (especially for pieces requiring a lot of contact, such as bench armrests or play modules). Even if you choose other materials (metals, plastic, etc.), many urban furniture and play equipment products offer the possibility of having ornamental pieces and wood inserts, giving you the best of both worlds.
Moreover, if you choose metal urban furniture, another great way to encourage touch is to opt for perforated furniture or any other type of openings. Indeed, metals tend to become hot in summer and cold in winter, so perforations help regulate this temperature a bit more and make the experience more pleasant.
Finally, if you choose concrete play equipment or urban furniture, know that there are several types of surfacing available depending on your tactile needs: whether it is a very smooth surface for a slide or rough for a climber, you can optimize the touch of your concrete to your needs.
Smell and Taste - To Support the Social Aspect of Your Space
Traditionally, one wouldn’t imagine that taste and smell could be highlighted in the design of a public space. However, there are beautiful ways to do so! The smell of a sizzling barbecue often evokes moments of outdoor conviviality. This experience is not limited to your backyard! Public spaces equipped with BBQs bring a multisensory dimension to any space: Imagine entering your local park and smelling the sweet aroma of a slow-cooked grill, tempting, isn’t it? Such setups work particularly well in tandem with a community garden, another excellent way to promote taste and smell in your space. Finally, flowers and plants are a timeless method to add an incredible olfactory dimension to your public space.
Hearing - To Provide a Pleasant Soundscape for Your Project
Did you know that a beautiful soundtrack isn’t just for movies or video games? With outdoor musical instruments, your public spaces can also benefit from the immersion and interactivity that music brings. These instruments allow both young and old to compose harmonious melodies without even needing to be musicians!
If musical instruments aren’t your thing, why not let nature do the work for you? Including trees and vegetation is an excellent way to attract birds and other small animals to your space, whose songs and presence will fill the soundscape of the surrounding area. You could even plan a few birdhouses and artificial habitats to accommodate these animal visitors!
Whether it’s the sweet scent of flowers or the soft texture of a wooden bench, each sensation will enrich the experience your visitors have daily in your public spaces. The next time you walk through a park, why not take a moment to really listen, smell, and touch your environment? You might find inspiration for your next projects!
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