Design Hive: Gwen Morgan on researching sensory room design

August 19, 2025

Design researchers developed a pop-up prototype of a multi-sensory space to research sensory environments

On this Design Hive episode, discipline leader for interior design Gwen Morgan discusses sensory-enabled architecture (SEA), sensory room design, and her team’s pop-up research prototype, the ZenDen.

In SEA, Gwen, and her team design for human touch, scent, sound, and taste in immersive environments. Designers can use sensory design to promote mental health and well-being in a variety of settings including schools and hospitals. Design researchers developed a pop-up prototype of a multi-sensory space called the ZenDen to research SEA environments. And they are increasingly called upon to design restorative sensory rooms for a variety of building types.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

  • Sensory Enabled Architecture (SEA) design research
  • What inspired our research into sensory environments
  • ZenDen, the pop-up prototype sensory space
  • Research collaboration with UNC Greensboro
    What led Gwen to sensory environments
  • Building types that are incorporating sensory room design

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  • Gwen Morgan

    When designing interiors, Gwen focuses on promoting occupant health and wellbeing. She aims to translate client needs and expectations into designs that will influence and benefit users for generations to come.

    Contact Gwen