woodland Park
Sensory Garden
Seattle, Washington
“The Seattle Sensory Garden (next to the Woodland Park Zoo) is designed for people of all ages and abilities to experience nature through their senses in therapeutic and life enhancing ways, offering the opportunity to learn how people with different abilities experience the world."
—Seattle Parks Foundation
Inclusive Design
Land Morphology, in collaboration with Fischer Bouma Partnership, designed the Sensory Garden at Woodland Park Zoo as a dynamic, year-round destination for people of all abilities. This immersive space brings the community together through thoughtfully curated plantings and multisensory experiences that support health, learning, and inclusion.
Developed with extensive consideration for accessibility, the garden includes features that welcome individuals who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, and neurodiverse—including those with autism. These elements are not only functional but deeply engaging:
Cathedral of Melodies – A sculptural sound space where bells, chimes, and rasps create interactive vibrational experiences.
Table of Understanding – A communal art piece designed to encourage dialogue, reflection, and social connection.
Natural Play Elements – A log wall and keyhole passage made from trees recycled on-site celebrate sustainability and tactile exploration.
This project reflects our commitment to designing public spaces that foster equity, sensory engagement, and lasting community value.
