Orchid

Social Sensory Architecture explored the design of multi-sensory environments that engaged children’s creativity for fine and gross motor activities to facilitate social interaction. Orchid was part of an ongoing research project focused on designing technology-embedded multi-sensory environments. Visitors learned about three other playscapes that were also on display at KANEKO.

Orchid was sponsored by The Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Fund and Omaha Steaks. The research explored how advanced textile design, sensing technology, and bespoke software could transform elaborate textile landscapes into physically, visually, and sonically interactive environments.

The project was initially inspired by Ahlquist’s experiences with his daughter Ara, discovering how environment could play a critical role in helping her overcome aspects of her autism—including being non-verbal—to express herself as a social and creative individual.

By combining, muting, and magnifying aspects of the sensory experience, individuals with autism were able to experience a sense of agency often lacking in the highly structured world they encounter. At Millwork Commons, guests interacted with Orchid and narrated their own manner of play.