Inclusive Paths and Plazas
We may be able to remember, from our experience as children, how our sense of place was entwined with the sounds, smells, and textures of our environment. Such non-visual sensory elements create depth in our experience. They are also the cues which provide primary orientation to those who have temporary or permanent visual impairment.
A variety of non-visual sensory cues can be used to facilitate orientation. Associating different cues with specific parts of a site also helps to individualize these areas. This technique works with a wide variety of environments, from park settings to broad concrete plazas. Providing a multi-level sensory experience in our public areas is an important enhancement to the value of these capital intensive investments. The more ways in which visitors can participate in the landscape the better!
Chimes and other wind-operated features generating pleasant sounds are highly useful in helping people orient to the environment. Pictured here is a conceptual fountain, designed with a sounding board beneath the falling stream of water. Alterations in the material of the sounding board allow designers to vary the quality and volume of the sound generated by the fountain.
Play is not just for children. Lots of people like to play, and the delights of a playful interlude i the day can restore the spirit, allow for a constructive and gentle interaction between friends, and offer a stretch for our bodies.
We envision providing inclusive structures for play in public landscapes. An example is shown below a Jumble Gym, named for its myriad opportunites for physical activity.
