A Sensory Garden for socio-emotional support

Location: Pasir Ris, Singapore (Sensory Garden at Meridian Secondary School)
Floor Area: 270sqm

The garden was designed as a place to support students with socio-emotional challenges with passive and active interactions with nature.

Design objectives:

- An outdoor, green environment to help students build confidence in expressing their feelings and emotions in a non-threatening setting

- A platform for students to engage in nature-based activities, thus encouraging social interaction, counteract feelings of loneliness and social isolation, especially for those with socio-emotional issues

Plants are curated into different zones based on their sensory qualities. Using interlocking brick pavers salvaged from the school’s courtyard, we created an herb spiral where familiar herbs and spices such as Basil, Cat’s Whiskers, Mugwort and Tumeric were grown. We also allocated a “break out” lawn area for students who need a sensory break.

We believe that nature is the best teacher, and by creating a user specific green space for restoration and education, we can encourage positive development in students and teachers alike.