How You Can Incorporate Sensory Technologies in Your Space

Architects and designers are uniquely poised to integrate the senses into their builds, making for stunning spaces that appeal to visitors on multiple levels. Audio visual sound and sight are two of the best tools at their disposal, and there are numerous sensory technologies to support them. Here are some ideas you can use to up the ante on your AV acoustics and visual aesthetics so your visitors, employees and anyone who walks through your doors can enjoy your space in a multi-dimensional way. 

Seeing is Art

George Perkins Marsh is credited with saying, “Sight is a faculty; seeing is an art.” We could not agree more. In built environments, designers and architects can cater to this duality by accounting for the functionality people need and the artistic visuals they want. 

On the functionality front, there are few things more useful than digital wayfinding. Interactive maps can help visitors navigate a large or confusing building. They can also provide yet another touchpoint a facility can use to trigger alerts or create an engaging experience.

Digital art offers a way to set a certain atmosphere in a space, like one that is peaceful and healing or inviting and warm. Facility managers can regularly update the art on display, as well, contributing to a dynamic aesthetic and interior that is refreshing to visit. Designers can also consider using an array of colors, 3D floor plans and intuitive touchscreen technology to increase visitor engagement and provide utility as well. 

Sound as Expression

Sound, and even silence, are memorable vehicles of communication when they are used intentionally in a space. As Victor Hugo said, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words.” In fact, the industry has begun to grasp that the interplay between sound and sight within architecture can “create powerful spatial experiences.” 

To that end, designers can plan to incorporate sound throughout each project to elevate the senses.  Music can be piped into certain areas, while sound masking can be used in others if confidentiality is a concern. And, silence can be strategically interspersed throughout a facility, as well, to give visitors’ a break from stimuli and a peaceful pause.