ABSTRACT
The planning of the design and construction of multisensory environments (MSE) requires much preparation and attention to detail. There is a limited amount of well-conducted research available to support decisions. In the planning stages, once the room has been chosen and a draft design has been developed, the transdisciplinary team will need to seek formal advice to check that the MSE design has no hidden dangers. Another important area of planning involves considering health and safety issues. There are no formal guidelines for MSEs specifically, but the MSE must comply with the local health and safety regulations for schools generally. Lighting effects are very important for creating an atmosphere within the MSE and can also be extremely practical, like for making movement into, within and out of the room easier, especially for those with visual impairment. Ayres reminded prospective MSE designers that the work does not simply cease once the plan has been finalised.
