Stress, anxiety, and depression are increasingly prevalent among students. Restorative multisensory spaces can offer different types of stimulation in varying degrees, which researchers theorize can allow users to self-regulate or take mental health breaks. Our Design Research team set out to put this theory to the test with a flexible prototype of a multisensory room called the ZenDen.
Informed by experience in designing sensory environments for mental and behavioral health projects, we created this prototype to explore and deploy sensory-enabled architecture (SEA). We designed a variety of multisensory spaces to promote positive emotions, facilitate relaxation, and foster a sense of control and choice.
The ZenDen features three spaces with varying furniture, customized elements, lighting, projections, sound, and olfactory stimuli. “The Cavern” offers sensory deprivation with felt-clad walls and low lighting. “Creekside” stimulates the senses with adjustable sound and light. While “Meadow Walk” offers a nature-inspired experience and social engagement. We have also incorporated the ZenDen pedestal, a custom fabricated technology cabinet housing a speaker, projector, computer, LED lights, and control panel.
The ZenDen is also a portable environment, which we can ship and deploy in different locations. To date, we have temporarily installed the prototype at education-focused conferences, an alternative high school, a higher education facility, and a behavioral health institute. Surveyed users report that ZenDen helps them reset and clear their minds, leaving them relaxed and prepared to learn. Users say they like the ability to control their environment—from air and light to sound and scent.
This prototype enables schools and universities to test environmental solutions and enhancements to benefit their neurodiverse populations and support mental wellness more generally.
" }