SR&DL Wins 2026 Great Places Award in the Art Category

The Synesthetic Research and Design Lab is proud to announce that our project, Echoes. A Multimodal Exploration of Neurodiverse Spatial Perception (together with the companion work Voices. Listeners in the Noise) has been named the Winner of the 2026 Great Places Awards – Art category by the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA).

EDRA's Great Places Awards seek to recognize work that combines expertise in design, research, and practice, and contributes to the creation of dynamic, humane places that engage our attention and imagination. 

This prestigious recognition was awarded during the 28th annual Great Places Awards, which celebrate innovative contributions at the intersection of environment, design, and human experience.

A Recognition of Inclusive and Experiential Design

In their official evaluation, the jury highlighted the project’s ability to foster empathy and expand understanding of neurodiverse spatial perception. They described Echoes and Voices as:

“a powerful and thoughtful exploration of neurodivergent spatial experience… inviting embodied empathy through responsive light, sound, and movement,” while amplifying autistic voices and translating lived experiences into insights for inclusive design.

The jury further recognized the project’s interdisciplinary approach—bridging art, technology, and environmental design—and its impact in shaping more inclusive, responsive environments.

About Echoes

Echoes is an immersive, research-driven installation that investigates how individuals perceive and navigate sensory environments differently. Through interactive sound, light, and spatial dynamics, the project offers new ways to understand neurodiverse experiences and reimagine design practices.

Learn more about the project: https://www.synestheticdesignlab.com/echoes

Echoes in Embodiments. Art, Atmospheres and Sensory Worlds Exhibition in Athens 2026. Photo by Barbara Klinkhammer

A Collective Achievement

This award reflects the dedication, creativity, and collaboration of an extraordinary team of researchers, designers, artists, participants, and partners.

We extend our sincere gratitude to:

• All collaborators and contributors who helped shape the project

• The participants and communities whose experiences informed the work

• Our institutional partners and supporters

• The EDRA jury for this meaningful recognition

Your contributions made Echoes possible and continue to drive our mission of advancing inclusive, human-centered design.

Interior of Echoes, looking at self-reflective moonlight animation. Photo by Barbara Klinkhammer