Designing for sensory inclusion begins with empathy, but it succeeds through precision. At the Detroit Historical Museum, KDG collaborated on a new Quiet Room shaped by a clear understanding of how architecture can support sensory regulation. The design emphasizes calm through thoughtful lighting, acoustics, and material choices that encourage comfort without distraction. Read on to see how this palette of soft textures and subtle tones helps create a space where every visitor can feel safe, supported, and ready to re-engage.
The Detroit Historical Museum aims to create a dedicated, sensory-friendly quiet room, designed specifically to accommodate visitors with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other sensory processing needs. The goal was to provide a calming, safe space where individuals can momentarily step away from the museum’s often stimulating environment. The quiet room offers both respite and comfort, allowing visitors to regulate their sensory experiences and fully engage with the museum’s exhibits when they are ready.
