The Sensory Trails Design Framework project

Victoria, Australia

Lars Stenberg recently gave a talk to a sensory trails project steering group based near Melbourne. The talk covered the Evaluation Toolbox and particularly the Sensory Mapping tool and its practical application at Stourhead, National Trust property in Wiltshire.

Funded by the Department for Victorian Communities' Access for All Abilities Initiative Fund, Nillumbik Shire Council is developing the ‘Sensory Trails’ Design Framework. The project uses action research techniques to identify trail features that stimulate the five main senses. These findings will be correlated with results from a literature search of disability, recreation, interpretation, heritage and arts texts.

Volunteers are currently field-testing trail audit tools and design parameters in both rural and urban areas to ensure the needs of the targeted market segments can be met. The Framework guides both the process of developing a ‘sensory’ trail and its design. Thoughtfully applied, this framework should ensure trails are winners for locals and tourists alike, with the issues of genuine inclusive design and quality of experience for specific market segments addressed.

Pam Enting of the project says, "Recreation trails in urbanised and protected areas enable people to be physically active and stimulated by the surroundings. People with disabilities and families require their needs to be met in order to have a rich and accessible experience. The installation of a boardwalk doesn’t guarantee a sensory experience of natural, cultural and indigenous heritage. This project will hopefully help us find out how we design a trail to be a full and varied experience for people with multiple disabilities or families with young children".

The project is due for completion in 2006.

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