b'Architecture That Addresses the SensesThe experience of a place would seem to be primarily vi for cleaning. Objects like chairs send subconscious messual at first glance. However, humans are influenced bysages about how long someone should sit and what the stimuli from all of their senses, including hearing, smell,organization thinks about the sitter. Ventilation and thertouch, and taste. These sensory influences give the archi mal comfort also relate to touch, and the need for HVAC tecture an opportunity to send intentional messages offilters (especially for filtering out pandemic viruses) that calm, organization capability, good maintenance, and provide supportive ambient temperatures with humidity most importantlyrespect for clients dignity and iden control are important supports for both staff and clients.tity. Some sensory stimuli only affect the subconsciousFor people experiencing emotional outbursts or engaging level, but they can still impact peoples mood and actions.in violent behaviors, architectural spaces can also be deHere are some key points from environmental psychol signed to accommodate and/or engage multiple senses at ogy and interior design practice.once in a dedicated area. For example, deescalation rooms Hearingcan provide places for people to work through an emoIrritability and emotional outbursts can be egged on bytional outburst with staff assistance, out of other peoples loud environments. Provide quiet places for people to sitview. These spaces range from calming space with padded and think. Tactics such as soundrated wall assemblieswalls to those with builtin or behavioralhealthstyle seatand acoustic ceiling or wall panels can assist with sounding that is difficult to throw but allows for counseling. dampening. Areas for private conversations with acoustic control are important to consider, as are gathering spaces, such as day lounges.Smell and taste Smells have longlasting connections to memories for people, and so they can be strong triggers for positive or negative emotions. Body odors and mustiness are reminders that a facility is heavily used or poorly maintained. Some people are also highly sensitive to scents, so use of cleaning products that mask odors may not work for all. Taste is closely related to smell, and positive or negative food tastes can color a clients perceptions of a facility. Sight Vision checks the nature, probable safety, and perceived friendliness of a facility before entry. People can instantly evaluate lighting, color, the volume/height of space, how accessible the exits are, and how much others can watch them if they use outdoor and indoor rooms. People notice small things such as the traces of people who came before them and draw conclusions about a facilitys charImages courtesy of Design Resources for Homelessnessacter and cleanliness. An earring left on the floor from a previous client or the indentation of someones body in a chair influence the stories that people tell themselves.TouchBuilding interiors are smorgasbords of touchable surfaces, such as countertops, door handles, chair upholsteries, and bed linens. Choices about interior finishes are surprisingly complex because peoples perceptions, durability needs, and cleaning regimens all intersect. A cold metal chair and an upholstered lounge chair offer varying degrees of comfort, and both have different implications JULY/AUGUST 2021'