TCAUP-FabLab Research Project_By Prof. Sean Ahlquist

“Playscape” is a collaborative research in sensory-rich, inclusive environments at the University of Michigan. It focuses on designing tactile interfaces and environments, along with their multisensory visual, auditory, resistive and haptic feedback, as means to address challenges in movement and social behavior for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research led by Sean Ahlquist seeks to create responsive, sensory-rich architectural spaces that satisfy these individuals` myriad unique, preferred environmental factors. This research covers topics ranging from technical skills in programming, spatial design and fabrication of textile structures, to capturing computational and observational data for the study of social and sensorial interaction.

2018-2020 PLAYSCAPE

Manufactured through CNC-knitting, the textiles are the main media in which to explore and design spatial, tactile experience. I am mainly engaged in the beam and bracket research as well as the optimized structure test with School of Engineer. Beams, a bundle of four or six GFRP rods, is the primary supporting structure for shaping and anchoring the textile. Brackets in specific numbers and sizes are designed to be the connections in between of the GFRP rods. The bracket research provides an opportunity for me to discover the relationship between the material capability and its impact on fabrication processes.

This research involves collaborations with local venues and exhibitions such as the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Haisley Elementary School, the Science Central children’s museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Exhibit Columbus 2019 in Columbus, Indiana.