On Wednesday 26th November 2025, Coventry University Students’ Union officially launched its new Sensory Rooms and Lounge on the sixth floor of the George Eliot Building. Taking place during Disability History Month, the event marked not only the opening of new spaces but also the culmination of a student-led initiative shaped by lived experience, research, and collaboration.

The launch welcomed students and staff to explore the new Sensory Rooms, take part in relaxed activities, and learn more about why these spaces were created. With a strong sense of openness and community, the event reflected the values that underpin the project itself.

The Sensory Rooms and Lounge are part of the Students’ Union’s Building a Neuro-Inclusive Campus campaign, led by Activities Officer Layna Forbes. Developed in direct response to student feedback and research, the project highlights how powerful student voices can be when they are listened to and acted upon.

Research conducted through the Neuro-Inclusive Campus Survey revealed a clear need for calm, accessible spaces on campus. Students reported high levels of burnout, limited access to peaceful environments, and a strong belief that neuro-inclusive spaces are essential for well-being and academic success. These findings became the foundation for the design brief, ensuring that the resulting spaces were grounded in real needs rather than assumptions.

The Lounge Space and Sensory Rooms were designed to support all students, with particular consideration for neurodivergent individuals, those managing anxiety, or anyone needing a place to pause, regulate, or recharge.

Rather than offering a single solution, the project includes three distinct sensory rooms alongside a communal lounge, allowing students to choose the environment that best supports them.

The Cloud Room provides a calm, low-stimulation retreat for students who are sensitive to sensory input. Soft whites, beiges, and pastel tones create a light, gentle atmosphere, supported by diffused lighting and uncluttered layouts. Flexible seating options, including bean bags and floor chairs, allow students to relax in ways that feel comfortable and supportive.

The Forest Room offers a balanced sensory environment inspired by nature. Earthy greens, natural materials, and warm lighting create a grounded, welcoming space that sits between calm and stimulation. A variety of seating options supports both relaxation and focus, making the room suitable for quiet work or rest.

The Reef Room is designed for students who benefit from higher sensory engagement. Inspired by the energy and movement of the ocean, the space uses brighter colours, interactive lighting, and movement-friendly seating to encourage exploration, creativity, and play. Features such as bubble tubes and ripple projectors provide dynamic sensory input in a controlled, safe way.

Together, the rooms demonstrate how thoughtful interior design can respond to a wide spectrum of sensory preferences without treating neurodivergence as a single experience.

The launch event

The launch event itself reflected the ethos of the project. Visitors were invited to explore the spaces at their own pace, engage in creative activities, and connect with both staff and fellow students. An introduction from Layna Forbes outlined the motivation behind the project and its significance within the wider campaign for a more inclusive campus.

The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, and celebratory. Feedback from attendees highlighted how meaningful it was to see neurodiversity acknowledged through design, with students describing the rooms as “beautiful,” “thoughtfully planned,” and a powerful example of how student voices can lead to real change.

A key strength of the project lies in its collaborative nature. The design was informed by student feedback, neurodiversity research, and ongoing dialogue between stakeholders. Rather than imposing a top-down solution, the process prioritised listening, iteration, and care.

This approach ensured that decisions around layout, lighting, furniture, and sensory features were purposeful and evidence-based. It also reinforced the idea that inclusive design is most effective when those it serves are actively involved in shaping it.

The launch of the Sensory Rooms and Lounge represents a significant milestone, but it is not the end of the journey. Feedback mechanisms, including QR codes within the spaces, will help assess their impact and inform future developments. There are also plans to continue building awareness and advocating for the expansion of sensory-friendly environments across the wider university group.

More than just a set of rooms, the Lounge Space stands as an example of what can be achieved when empathy, research, and design come together. It demonstrates that inclusive environments are not a luxury but a necessary part of supporting student wellbeing and success.

The launch on 26th November was not simply the opening of a space, but a celebration of collaboration, care, and the belief that everyone deserves an environment where they can feel supported, understood, and able to thrive.