Children’s sensory pods

West Ulverstone, Lutruwita/Tasmania
Public art commission for the West Ulverstone Community Hub under the Tasmanian Government Art Site Scheme

Artist: Alex Miles

Magic Light / Small Orchestra / Bigs Ideas (3 works), 2023
1350 x 1600 x 1400 mm, 1760 x 1400 x 1300 mm, 2000 x 1400 x 1300 mm
Aluminium, steel, spotted gum

3 sculptural interactive pods installed for West Ulverstone Child and Family Learning Centre that encourage children to explore via the senses. Magic Light pod – large enough for 2-3 children – sits horizontally with a large aperture to climb inside, and holes across its surface to allow light to filter in, creating a dappled pattern on the surface. Small Orchestra pod promotes an exploration of sound with the pod itself becoming an amplifier when keys are plucked. Chimes and percussive surfaces are also offered to children to explore. Big Ideas pod is formed as a trellis for children to grow edible plants or scented vines on, creating a leafy cubby and learning opportunity. This pod sits within the centre’s kitchen garden (not shown here).