Date/Time: October 31, 2025 | 2:15 – 3:15 pm

Room: 162-163

Audience: Architects, Engineers, Educators, Facility Personnel, Contractors / Suppliers / Manufacturers, Consultants

Call to Action:

1. Consider how we can engage imagination in learning environments.
2. Harness the power of audio for learning.
3. Flex your imagination and simply listen!

Abstract: In this session, we will explore the untapped potential of audio in education and how sound can be used as a powerful tool to enhance the learning process. Led by Danny Sewell, a musician with over a decade of experience producing educational programs, this talk delves into how sensory circuits, soundscapes, and music can improve students’ engagement, focus, and creativity in the classroom. We begin by discussing sensory circuits, a method designed to prepare students mentally and physically for learning by incorporating alerting, organizing, and calming activities. Through interactive examples, we will explore how sound plays a key role in these circuits and how architects, teachers, and educators can design environments that foster better learning outcomes. The talk also introduces the concept of audiation, the ability to interpret sound as an emotionally relatable, musical experience, and how early exposure to sound shapes cognitive development. By embracing sound, we can foster students’ imagination, creativity, and emotional well-being. Attendees will be invited to engage in various soundscapes that will spark their imagination and lead to cross-curricular learning opportunities, from geography and biology to creative writing and technology. These activities highlight the power of sound to create immersive learning experiences. Throughout the talk, we emphasize the importance of designing spaces that support auditory learning experiences, offering practical examples for architects to consider when developing educational environments. By using sound to nurture imagination, this session challenges us to think beyond traditional educational methods and embrace the role of audio in cultivating holistic, engaging learning environments. Whether you’re an educator, architect, or a professional working in educational design, this talk will inspire you to reconsider how you approach learning spaces and provide actionable ideas to integrate the transformative power of sound into your practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Role of Sensory Circuits in Education: Learn how sensory circuits, which include alerting, organizing, and calming activities, can be integrated into educational settings to improve students’ focus, engagement, and readiness to learn.
2. Explore the Concept of Audiation and Its Impact on Cognitive Development: Gain insight into how the ability to interpret sound emotionally and musically (audiation) affects learning and cognitive growth, particularly in early childhood education.
3. Experience the Power of Soundscapes in Fostering Imagination and Cross-Curricular Learning: Explore how immersive soundscapes can be used to stimulate creativity and imagination, connecting multiple subjects like geography, biology, creative writing, and technology.
4. Identify Practical Applications for Sound in Educational Environment Design: Architects and educators will learn how to incorporate auditory experiences into the design of educational spaces, considering the impact of sound on student engagement, well-being, and overall learning outcomes.