Te Whare Aroha O Te Humarie
Designing the Multi-Sensory Seclusion Space in Accordance with Te Ao Māori Principles
The Play’n’Learn design team worked closely with Te Whare Aroha O Te Humarie to ensure their new multi-sensory seclusion space was designed in accordance with Te Ao Māori principles. We recognised the following principles in the design and implementation of the space:
Mana atua (the importance of the spiritual dimension): The design team incorporated sensory elements that appeal to the senses, including sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, balance and spatial awareness. This ensured that the space was stimulating to the children and that their spiritual dimension was nourished.
Whakapapa (genealogy): The multi-sensory seclusion space was designed to create a sense of belonging and connection to the land, culture and whakapapa of the children.
Whanaungatanga (relationships): The design team created a space that promotes relationships between the children and their environment. The sensory elements incorporated in the space help mokopuna connect with their environment.
Tangata whenua (people of the land): The design team incorporated Māori cultural elements into the space to create a sense of connection to the land and the Māori people.
Kotahitanga (unity): The multi-sensory seclusion space was designed to promote unity and inclusion, where all children can feel a sense of belonging and participation.
Key Products
LED Cloud & Water Projector: The LED Water Projector is a sensory tool that provides visual stimulation, calming and relaxation. It also enhances the child’s spatial awareness and sensory processing by projecting a colour-changing watery effect onto any surface.
Fibre Optic Curtain Lights: The fibre optic curtain lights provide visual stimulation and encourage sensory exploration, which helps the child develop their spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.
Bubble Wall: The bubble wall stimulates tamariki’s visual, auditory and tactile senses, providing calming and relaxing stimulation. The bubbles also promote gross motor skills, balance and coordination.
Sensory Colour-Changing Ball Pit: Playing in a ball pit provides tactile, visual, auditory and proprioceptive sensory stimulation. The ball pit stimulates creativity, develops the muscular system, and improves the child’s psycho-emotional state.
Sensory Dark Den: The sensory dark den provides a quiet and dark space for the child to rest, relax and process sensory information. The dark den also promotes visual and tactile sensory exploration and helps the child develop their spatial awareness and proprioceptive sense.
Conclusion
The Play’n’Learn design team successfully integrated Te Ao Māori principles into the design of the multi-sensory seclusion space. The products installed supported the seven senses, providing them with visual, auditory, tactile, taste, smell, vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation. The multi-sensory seclusion space is an inclusive and safe learning environment that nurtures the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being of the children. We are confident that Te Whare Aroha O Te Humarie’s multi-sensory space is fit-for-purpose, inclusive, and will benefit tamariki and kaiako for years to come!
