The body is also part of the sensory experience
Bean bags, seating and mats may initially appear to be simply furniture or comfort equipment, but in a multisensory space they perform a much more important function: they determine how the person’s body is supported and how they experience the other resources in the room.
A comfortable and sufficiently stable position can make it easier to observe a projection, explore fibre optics, listen to music, experience vibration or simply remain comfortably in the space.
For this reason, seating and support surfaces should not be considered separately from the sensory experience.
Different bodies, different ways of finding comfort
There is no single ideal position for every person or activity. Some users prefer to sit upright, others feel more comfortable semi-reclined or lying down, and some benefit from surfaces that adapt to the shape and position of their body.
Bean bags are particularly versatile because their filling redistributes when the person changes position. Depending on their shape, size and filling, they can provide a broad area of contact and a feeling of support around part of the body.
Mats and other padded surfaces, meanwhile, provide space for lying down, changing position, moving or carrying out activities close to floor level.
More than one way to use the space
When choosing these resources, it is useful to consider:
- The age, size and mobility of the users.
- The positions in which the resource will be used.
- The level of support and postural stability required.
- Ease of getting on and off or changing position.
- The dimensions of the space and circulation around the equipment.
- Cleaning and maintenance requirements.
- How the resource will be combined with the other sensory equipment.
Whenever possible, it is also useful for a multisensory space to offer more than one comfortable position. This allows the environment to adapt to different users and activities instead of requiring the person to adapt to a single type of seating.
Sensory equipment and furniture at the same time
Some of these products can logically also be considered furniture. Their presence in this category is intentional: users and professionals often look for bean bags, seating and mattresses when equipping a multisensory room, and their function directly influences the sensory experience.
HANDYCAT can help you choose the most appropriate type, dimensions and characteristics according to the users, the available space and the activities to be carried out.