Werribee Sensory Lab | Bourke and Bouteloup Architects

This project for a new sensory test laboratory is designed to accord with current standards including the International Standard for sensory analysis test facilities. The project consists of a test kitchen with 12 food test booths and associated group test and clinical rooms.

The key aspects of the design and planning are in curation of the journey and experience of test subjects from arrival to briefing and the test process which involves subjects interacting with food and recording their sensory responses (taste, smell, visual etc).

The specific nature of the test lab as an experience affecting the senses is highlighted by the use of colour emphasizing the distinction between the neutral subject spaces and the preparation area. The colour treatments also reflect the colour controlled lighting of the booths to enhance the experience and theatre of the testing event.