JMP puts their touch on SFO with a sensory wall fabrication in terminal 1.
We worked with the team at Gensler Architects to engineer the the sensory wall fabrication for their latest project at San Francisco International Airport – a sensory room for neurodivergent travelers. Gensler has done some incredible work at SFO over the years, and their sensory room is no exception. The room is meant to be a calming space for neurodivergent travelers and their families to help them prepare for their flights. The room features a quiet zone, an active zone, and a cabin experience where a realistic aircraft interior is recreated. The whole space is inspired by nature, and walking into the sound-proofed room is a calming exercise in itself.
We were approached by the team in early 2024, as they sought out a specialty fabricator who could help with their sensory wall fabrication. The wall Gensler designed gives a nod to the Bay Area flora and fauna. It features several interactive elements, including a flying airplane and sliding sea lion, dancing poppies, a spinning sun, and water and land elements made from a variety of textured materials. Produced primarily with high-grade plywood and acrylic, the wood is stained in three shades for color variation. As the first element guests encounter upon entering the room, it serves to open up the visitor’s sense of touch. Their sense of sight is engaged with a moving LED wall featuring abstract swirl patterns. The entire room, with exception of the windows, is covered in a custom made sound proofing material, cut in the shapes of trees, alleviating the outside noise of the surrounding terminal. Perhaps the most striking part of the room is the meditation station in the corner, with an organic dimensional wood build out surrounding a sitting space with a beautiful chandelier. It serves as the perfect spot to sit quietly and observe the runway outside, or practice meditation. Visitors can also practice flying by visiting the full-scale replica of an aircraft interior complete with overhead bins and airplane seats.
The entire space is exquisitely designed, and sure to help anxious travelers calm their nervous system before boarding the plane. We enjoyed partnering with Gensler on this sensory wall fabrication, and look forward to our next collaboration.
