A new tactile mural at The SNAP Centre

SNAP’s previous sensory wall was installed 10 years ago mainly for use by our then pre-school children. Since 2007, we have developed our services as those children have grown-up with us and therefore the equipment was not meeting the wide-ranging needs of the full 0-25 age range.

A new mural, which frames the entrance to the existing Multi-Sensory Room, was installed by the expert team from Mike Ayers Design. It allows users to engage, touch and explore through the use of contrasting textures, light and colour, as Nick Osborne from the installation team explains:

“It was important the mural would be appropriate for everyone and not just the younger visitors who use the building. Working with the family team at SNAP we decided that a landscape with a large tree would have universal appeal,” he said.

“We also added a giant reflective shadow to arc over the sensory room door and included interactive elements to provide focal points. When we create tactile murals we try to include as many different contrasting textures as possible,” explained Nick.

Karen Boath, Manager (Families) at SNAP, said the mural is already proving to be an effective addition to the SNAP environment.

“We are delighted with the finished mural and our families have told us how great it is; this bespoke interactive wall will provide greater opportunities to a wider range of our young users, increase fun play, improve co-ordination, motor skills and visual tracking abilities,” she said.

SNAP would like to thank Essex Short Breaks