Chamber of Senses
An interactive installation that blends STEM and the arts with virtual reality. This experience combines technology and play, encouraging mindfulness and deeper engagement through sensory exploration.
How can we hear movement? How can we see sound?
WEST led the project in collaboration with Create Central, independent artist and curator Dr. Azadeh Sarjoughian, and sound artist Maximiliano Q. Santander. Our mission is to spark curiosity and awareness in young minds about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).
Our exhibition combined immersive technology and creative workshops to introduce children and young adults to the world of STEAM careers in an engaging and hands-on way.
Through an engaging mix of Virtual Reality (VR) experiences and interactive workshops, this exhibition invited kids aged 5-18 from the Birmingham youth charity free at last to explore a wide range of career paths, opening doors to roles in technology, healthcare, the arts, and more.
We conducted surveys before and after the experience. The insights gathered reveal a strong interest in creative and technical fields, with careers like Artist, Doctor, and Scientist being among the most popular.
Key Insights from the STEM + Art Exhibition
- Top STEAM Careers: Participants expressed the most interest in careers like Doctor, Artist, and Scientist, highlighting a preference for roles that combine familiarity, creativity, and a focus on helping others.
- VR as a Highlight: The immersive VR experience was an overwhelming favorite. Children as young as 5 reported feeling "completely transported," showcasing VR's power to captivate and inspire.
- New Career Aspirations: Post-exhibition, children expressed interest in a broader array of careers, including Game Designer, Animator, and Astronaut, demonstrating the potential of interactive exhibits to widen career horizons.
The VR made me feel like I was on another planet! I didn’t want to leave — I want to learn how it was designed.Student, Y6
Through immersive VR experiences and hands-on workshops, we were able to spark curiosity and broaden career horizons for participants, some of whom had never before considered paths in technology, science, or the arts. The exhibition didn’t just introduce STEM careers; it helped kids see themselves in these roles, envisioning futures as scientists, artists, engineers, and beyond.
We’re excited to continue building on this momentum, crafting experiences that make learning engaging, accessible, and inspiring. As we look to future exhibits, our focus remains the same: to open doors to STEM and the arts in ways that foster confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.
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