Forest of the Senses London Festival of Architecture

Forest of the Senses is an immersive sculptural installation that explores how art can reconnect us with the full spectrum of human perception through an experience engaging all five senses. The project invites visitors to move through a contemporary forest environment where sight, touch, sound, scent, and taste combine to create a deeply embodied encounter with nature.

Sight is shaped by Giles Miller Studio’s striking sculptural tree forms, which shift and reveal themselves as visitors move through the space, creating a dynamic and ever-changing visual experience.

Touch is explored through precision-machined timber supplied by Abodo and Glenalmond. Crafted from responsibly sourced Abodo wood, the tactile surfaces encourage physical interaction and highlight the restorative qualities of natural materials. Research suggests that engagement with natural textures can help lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and support nervous system regulation.

Sound, created by MindFidelity, draws inspiration from the hidden communication networks of trees beneath the forest floor. Blending gentle healing frequencies with woodland sounds, the soundscape reflects the sensory experience above ground while evoking the quiet exchanges taking place through interconnected root systems and fungal networks below.

Scent is introduced by Dulcie, whose bespoke fragrance enriches the environment and deepens visitors’ emotional connection to the installation through memory, place, and the subtle presence of the natural world. Extending beyond the air itself, Dulcie created scent-infused bark positioned at the base of the sculptural trees, allowing visitors to encounter the fragrance as a physical element within the forest landscape.

Taste completes the journey through a selection of woodland-inspired food and drink, extending the experience beyond observation and inviting participants to engage with nature through flavour and ritual.

Together, these sensory interventions create a multi-layered environment that blurs the boundaries between art, nature, and perception, encouraging visitors to slow down, reconnect with their surroundings, and experience the forest in a new way.