From an used area to a sensory fuelled pathway packed with musical instruments, play panels with the addition of shelter at the end. This case study explores the design of a sensory area incorporating a variety of textured surfaces to enhance accessibility and engagement.
The pathway is constructed using a combination of resin bonded mulch, blocked paving, and tactile paver sections, each selected to provide distinct sensory experience underfoot.
At the entrance to the sensory pathway stands one of our Rainbow Archways, designed to immediately engage children’s senses and spark curiosity. Constructed from a sturdy timber frame, the archway features two sets of musical chimes that produce soothing and playful tones as children interact with them, encouraging auditory exploration. Overhead, a colourful Perspex roof filters sunlight into a kaleidoscope of hues, casting colours on the ground below and enhancing visual stimulation. This engaging structure not only serves as a welcoming gateway but also sets the tone for a fully immersive sensory experience that continues throughout the pathway.
Along the pathway, we have added in a variety of play panels such as: concave & convex mirrors to invite visual exploration and playful distortion, encouraging self-awareness and curiosity. a 4 in a row and Rock Paper Scissors game panels to help to promote cognitive development, social interaction, and turn-taking skills. A musical eco chimes music panel, 3 bongo drums, and a rain wheel offer sensory experiences, allowing children to create and respond to sound in both structured and spontaneous ways.
3 strategically placed benches provide resting points and opportunities for quiet reflection or social connection, making the pathway not just a route, but a destination for sensory play, learning, and inclusivity throughout.
Lastly, at the end of the pathway we installed one of our popular 5m gazebos. This structure fits up to a class of children and is perfect for bringing the classroom outdoors. The open-sided design ensures excellent ventilation and visibility, while the solid pitched roof provides reliable protection from sun and rain, making it suitable for year-round use.
A sensory pathway offers endless opportunities for imaginative play by providing the brain with detailed information from the senses—such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—which the brain then uses to create mental images and scenarios.
When children engage their senses—like touching, hearing, or seeing, their brains process and organize information from the environment that helps to improve attention, memory, and problem-solving.
Through sensory experiences, children learn how to interact appropriately with others, regulate their emotions, and stay calm in social settings. This helps them build empathy, take turns, listen, and communicate effectively—key skills for forming positive relationships and participating in group activities.
By walking along the textured pathway, hitting the beater on the chimes panel and playing a game of rock paper scissors on the play panel, all help with the development of fine motor skills and learn how to control their movements more accurately and confidently, which is essential for physical development and everyday activities.
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