Designers
Designers
Designers
Belonging by Design
A sensory prototype for presence
Key Words
Designers
Izzy Anthony
SUMMARY
My project is about rethinking how campus spaces make us feel. I focused on the UC lobby and explored how sensory design (things like lighting, texture, sound, and student presence) can transform a transitional space into one where students actually want to stay, connect, and belong. Instead of rebuilding the architecture, I designed a modular, atmospheric system that shifts the space from something you walk through to somewhere you feel invited into. It’s really about designing presence, not just furniture, and creating environments that support comfort, community, and meaningful student experience.
challenge
One challenge was that the problem was subtle. Students rarely complain about the UC lobby; they simply pass through it, which made the issue harder to capture. I also had to shift from thinking about furniture and layouts to designing a feeling through lighting, sound, and texture. Another challenge was balancing my own perspective with feedback from many different students. I questioned whether sensory design was enough, but testing and student reactions helped me trust the direction of the project.
Outcome
The project showed that small sensory changes can meaningfully shift how students use a space. Warm lighting, softer sound, added texture, and visible student presence made the UC lobby feel more inviting and social. Students were more likely to slow down, sit, and connect. The outcome was a flexible design system that improves comfort and belonging without major renovations.
MEET THE Designers:
Izzy Anthony