Rainwell

Project Description

This was the final project for 4.021 (How to Design). Our team created a 70-foot inflatable installation inside MIT's Building 3 stairwell to explore stress relief through sound, scent, and soft interactive design.

We integrated blue lighting, ambient rain audio, and essential oil scents into the installation. Our intent was to encourage students to look up, pause, and interact with the space—especially during finals. The piece transformed a busy vertical corridor into a sensory moment of calm and playfulness.

Concept Drawings & Diagrams

Key Image

Drawing made in Rhino and Illustrator

Site Diagram

Rhino 3D Model

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Prototypes & Testing

25ft Prototype

Another prototype stage

Constructing the final inflatable

Test installing in the stairwell

Testing movement in stairwell

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