White rooms
The design of the white room is unique; it’s a space where students can relax, escape, recuperate and evaporate the stress and complexities of the real world for a short while. Visual effects and music stimulate the distance senses vision and hearing, whilst aromatherapy, tactile objects and soft furnishings may occupy the close senses. Space is not based on an educational model, however, its effects on the learning potential of the student can be considerable.
We live in a world where progression is king and little thought or consideration may be given to taking a journey around a world we already understand. If we accept that a student with profound and multiple learning difficulties will take a long time to learn particular skills, then it takes time to consolidate the skills they have already learned. Likewise, we all need to spend time revisiting skills that we have already mastered. So, here is a space which, when engineered to a learner’s needs, likes or preferences, can encourage reflection and discovery.
The white room can transmit a very clinical outlook, but if thought is given to humanising the area by adding personal effects, this non-demanding space can be magical. White is also a non-stimulating colour, so it cuts out visual clutter, allowing projected effects and coloured lighting to control the mood of the session, be it calming or invigorating, the choice is yours.
