Sensing Differently

Sensing differently, creating inclusive atmospheres as sensory friendly zones and their evaluation with immersive sound technologies

How can we increase understanding of the impact of everyday sensory atmospheres of experience? More specifically, how can multisensorial approaches to experience reshape inclusion, accessibility, and “sensory-friendly” environments in urban spaces?

Keywords: Neurodiversity, Atmospheres, Immersive audio, Sonic boundary objects

Photo by Jan Kroonf

In this research creation project, we work with autistic co-researchers to assess atmospheres of cultural events and institutional spaces and musicians working with noise, sound art, and experimental music. Using immersive recording technologies (binaural and microphone arrays) and collaborative artistic residencies, the aim is to understand how “sensory-friendly zones” can be cultivated.

Funding: SSHRC Insight Development (# 430-2023-01115)

Academic Team: Florian Grond (PI), David Howes, Melissa Park, Matthew Unger

Community Partners: Scènes Interactives Technologiques (Nicolas Berzi), Dawn Prince-Hughes (Culture Autism Studies)