CASE STUDY
A Flexible Learning Hub
A thoughtfully designed learning hub to empower students
Start My Sensory SpaceStart My Sensory Space
The Background
Inspired by the success of smaller learning hubs throughout their school, the staff at Hawthorne Academy wanted to build a larger, more comprehensive learning center that could accommodate diverse sensory needs and provide a structured yet flexible framework for learning.
The Vision
The staff was looking to create a welcoming, multipurpose learning hub where students could focus and self-regulate by choosing their preferred seating, participating in sensory activities and collaborating with peers.
The Challenge
The designers needed to plan the sensory space with a limited budget, tight timeline and classroom-sized room. Could the team design a learning hub that met all of these needs while creating an engaging, student-centered environment?
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
Every element in the room was chosen to support flexible learning, sensory regulation and student engagement. Together, these tools create a sensory-friendly environment where students can relax, focus and collaborate in the way that works best for them.
Walls Full of Wonder
A glittering Sequin Wall Panel, stimulating Acoustic Tactile Wall Panel and glowing LiteZilla Lite Wall create a welcoming feel upon entering the space. The exciting surfaces offer visual and tactile stimulation, and add depth and warmth to the room's design.
Walls Full of Wonder
A glittering Sequin Wall Panel, stimulating Acoustic Tactile Wall Panel and glowing LiteZilla Lite Wall create a welcoming feel upon entering the space. The exciting surfaces offer visual and tactile stimulation, and add depth and warmth to the room's design.
Letting Out the Wiggles
This sensory room has a large selection of comfortable flexible seating. Stay alert on a bright, colorful SensaSoft™ Moon Seat, enjoy back support in a SensaSoft Adjustable Floor Chair, or channel restless energy by rocking on a Wobble Chair or wiggling in a soft Boundary Chair.
Letting Out the Wiggles
This sensory room has a large selection of comfortable flexible seating. Stay alert on a bright, colorful SensaSoft™ Moon Seat, enjoy back support in a SensaSoft Adjustable Floor Chair, or channel restless energy by rocking on a Wobble Chair or wiggling in a soft Boundary Chair.
Sit Back and Relax!
Sit on a glowing LimeLite™ LED Chair as it emits a rainbow of colors for a sense of calm and relaxation, or curl up on our cuddly Zipline Convertible Loveseat, the perfect setting for open-ended play. Sit back and rhythmically rock in the SensaSoft Therapy Rocker or enjoy a tight squeeze through deep compression in the SensaSoft Compression Canoe.
Sit Back and Relax!
Sit on a glowing LimeLite™ LED Chair as it emits a rainbow of colors for a sense of calm and relaxation, or curl up on our cuddly Zipline Convertible Loveseat, the perfect setting for open-ended play. Sit back and rhythmically rock in the SensaSoft Therapy Rocker or enjoy a tight squeeze through deep compression in the SensaSoft Compression Canoe.
Find Your Way to Calm
Enjoy therapeutic sand play at the color-changing LimeLite LED Sand Table while working on color recognition and visual attention in a fun way. Soothe stressed feelings with our Fiber Optic Light Strands, a mesmerizing curtain of lights that offers calming visual and tactile feedback.
Find Your Way to Calm
Enjoy therapeutic sand play at the color-changing LimeLite LED Sand Table while working on color recognition and visual attention in a fun way. Soothe stressed feelings with our Fiber Optic Light Strands, a mesmerizing curtain of lights that offers calming visual and tactile feedback.
By integrating these diverse wall elements, flexible seating options and calming sensory activities, the creators of the Hawthorne Academy learning hub developed a holistic sensory experience for the school's students.
Step 2: The Design Process
The designers sought to balance a bright, cheerful atmosphere with a well-organized, efficient layout. The vibrant blue floors, bright wall panels and colorful seating infuse the hub with an engaging, playful feel while the expansive windows bring in natural light, making the atmosphere airy and spacious. At the same time, the sensory equipment and furniture are thoughtfully placed and distributed, ensuring a sense of security and serenity for everyone using the room.
The End Result
This is your quote text.
- Michelle Howlett, assistant principal of Washington Elementary School
This hub effectively combines flexible seating, sensory tools and a structured layout to create a functional, adaptive environment. By pairing stimulating colors with calming hues, the space provides essential tactile and visual feedback while minimizing sensory overload. The result is a safe, supportive hub that addresses various student sensory needs and fosters focus, calm and engagement throughout the school day.
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