Background Research
problem
As a group, we identified that the IADT campus can be very over-stimulating and students do not have a suitable area to relax or destress.
For neurotypical students, this is an issue, but this is amplified in neurodiverse students. Most areas on campus are loud and full of people, giving no space for quiet relaxation, therefore, causing a sensory overload.
solution
Our proposed solution was to create a sensory garden for IADT students, using different types of plants, water, wind-activated items, mirrors, and a variety of textured surface materials. This would encompass all the senses including touch, smell, and hearing. It allows for a calm and private space for reflection and meditation.
Sensory gardens have been shown to decrease fatigue and increase mental clarity. We have decided to create a virtual representation for our sensory garden for ease of access and affordability.
background research
what is a sensory garden?
A sensory garden is a ‘self-contained area that concentrates a wide range of sensory experiences. Such an area, if designed well, provides a valuable resource for a wide range of users, from education to recreation’ (Sensory Trust, 2009). Shoemaker (2002) stated that a ‘sensory garden cannot be designed without considering the human element. Unlike traditional display gardens that are meant to be observed from a distance, sensory gardens draw the visitor into touch, smell and actively experience the garden with all senses’.
What makes a sensory garden different from any other garden? ‘The only difference in a sensory garden is that all these components (e.g., hard and soft landscaping, colours, textures and wildlife) must be carefully chosen and designed to appeal to the senses in such a way that they provide maximum sensory stimulation’ (Lambe, 1995)
What are the Benefits of a Sensory Garden?
A sensory garden is a great place for a wide range of people to have a chance to explore their senses in a safe and fun environment. Those with differing sensory disorders can all take different positives from the sensory garden as well as those without sensory conditions – the benefit being they are all in one place and are combinations and individual sensations that people wouldn’t normally experience.
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Mount and Cavet (1995) and Chawla and Heft (2002) mentioned the richness of the visual, auditory and tactile stimuli that gardens can offer and the opportunities they could offer for exploration and, thus, how they could assist users to develop an understanding of the environment. However, any impairment, disability or handicap will limit a person’s ability to engage with the environment.
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advice on incorporating all the different senses
touch
taste
smell
sight
Hearing
Choose plants that are durable enough to withstand frequent brushing or handling. Look for textures in soft flowers, fuzzy leaves, springy moss, rough bark, succulent leaves, prickly seed pods. Various herbs also have great texture and smell great. Accessories can include rocks and sculptures in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures. Use sculpted handrails for safety and added textures.
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Adding herbs like mint and chives can add both smell and flavour. Cherry Tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, edible flowers, fruit trees and the endless vegetables will offer the taste buds an array of choices.
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Many plants and herbs have great aromas and are perfect for planting along a pathway- eg: lavendar, peppermint, rosemary, sage, tarragon. Crushing and smelling a plant part works well.
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Use plants in all shades of green foliage with various leaf shapes, and different colours of flowers. Adding things like birdbaths, lights and wind chimes can provide great light stimuli from the sun. Even try hanging CDs as sun catchers and adding solar lights.
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Have non-plant materials (wind chimes, fountain bubbling). Birdsongs will fill the garden if birds baths, bird-attracting plants, bird feeders and birdhouses are provided and maintained. Accessories for bringing sounds to the garden include waterfalls, fountains, water harps and wind chimes.
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conclusion
Highlight on the main literatures reviewed Sensory gardens have evolved gradually from the traditional concept of a ‘garden for the blind’ to sensory landscapes (Hussein, 2011). The idea is to integrate green areas that will encourage sensory stimulation, physical mobility and social skills (Hussein, 2009a) as well as health improvements (Vries, 2010), environmental education (Building Bulletin 102, 2008), emotional growth and mental development (Maller and Townsend, 2006).
Designing sensory garden involves a variety of aspects, which needs designers' attention. In fact, many designing solutions should be applied to provide multiple sense experiences for the users. Based on the existing evidence, all studies should be carried out based on the sensory garden's therapeutic effects which is the most important characteristic of these kinds of spaces and deals with the importance of children's relationship with the nature.
inspirations
Before beginning competitor research, we wanted to get some general inspiration of visually appealing gardens. We visited each of the 3 gardens displayed below: National Botanic Gardens (Dublin), Delta Sensory Garden (Carlow), and of course IADT's orchard. Since we vistited these gardens first-hand, the pictures were taken by us, but in instances where we sourced these pictures from elsewhere, the links of their origin are provided.
We only used the Delta Sensory Garden for more comprehensive competitor research but nontheless took inspiration from the others to include in our own digital prototype. The experience of visiting the gardens confirmed the background research we conducted; the calming effect was palpable and we fell in love with our idea even more.
sensory garden competitor research
Competitor Research involves identifying competitors and recognising their strengths and weaknesses. Competitor research was conducted in order to gain a further understanding of what is used in other sensory spaces and could potentially be included within our design. Similarly, we identified what was missing from these spaces in order to fill potential gaps and cater to all needs as much as possible.
 Sean Walsh Memorial Park |  Central Remedial Clinic |  Delta Gardens Carlow |
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 St. Michaels National School |
1. Sean Walsh Memory Park Sensory Garden
Background
This sensory garden was built within Sean Walsh Memorial Park situated in Oldbawn, Tallaght (‘the heart of Tallaght’).
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The garden was created by South Dublin’s Social Inclusion Unit and Parks Department in collaboration with St. John of God’s Menni Services. The garden was designed to allow complete accessibility so visitors of the park can also enjoy a sensory space. The sensory space was created in response for a need in the local community for an all-year-round garden that appeals to all five senses.
Features included
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An array of colourful trees, plants and flowers
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Raised flower beds
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Textured ground features
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Tree of Hope
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Tile designs
Features not included
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Auditory stimulation – nature sound box, chimes, water etc.
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Potential for more vivid colours
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Interactive stimulation – more plants, textures, physical interactive features
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Vegetables/fruits to potentially appeal to taste
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Plants that appeal to sense of smell
2. central remedial clinic Sensory Garden
Background
This sensory garden was created within the ‘secret garden’ in the Central Remedial Clinic, Clontarf. The Central Remedial Clinic provide a range of services for children of all ages who have a disability.
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The sensory garden was built by cityscape gardeners who aimed to build a sensory school themed garden with complete accessibility for all children.
Features included
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Varying levels of raised beds
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Zig-zag raised beds
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Vegetable and plant patches
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Graffiti walls
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Colourful beds, benches, pillars and walls
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Different textured plants i.e.bamboo
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A blackboard
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Feature divider wall with reflective particles
Features not included
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No water features
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Potential for more appeal to sense of smell (i.e., lavender etc)
3. Delta Sensory gardens
Background
The Delta Sensory Gardens were first opened in 2007 in Co. Carlow and consist of 20 different gardens. These gardens include Celtic Walk, Patio Garden, Games Garden, Sculpture Garden, Peace Garden, Willow Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Formal Rose Garden, Waterfalls, Pavillion Garden, Iris O’ Brien Health and Wellness Garden, Woodland Walk, Stolen Child Garden, Roof Garden, Five Senses Garden, 19/2016 Memorial Garden, Circle of Life Garden, Thistle Fountain, Musical Fountain and Eco Roof Top. The Gardens are attached to the Delta Centre for adults with disabilities and were built as a therapeutic outlet for the occupants of the centre.
Features included
Features not included
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Canopies for shade
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Seating and Shelter area
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Interactive games
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Water features
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Raised plant beds
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Various coloured and textured plants
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Herbs (Smell)
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Tactile surfaces
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Fruit and Vegetables to taste
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Musical Fountain (with music, mirrors and lights)
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N/A
4. St. Michaels Primary School
Background
The sensory garden within St. Michaels Primary School in Limerick was built in 2017. The garden was designed to create a multi-sensory experience for the pupils regardless of their sensory challenges. The garden is also used as an ‘outdoor classroom’.
Features included
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Tactile tyres
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Colurful features
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Musical pipes
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Water feature
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Colourful and smelly plants
Features not included
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Some vegetable/fruit patches for the children to plant and taste
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Shelter to make it accessible in all weather conditions
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Not completely wheelchair accessible