Minneapolis Public Schools

Immerse yourself in Orfield Laboratories Inc., which is otherwise known as “The Quietest Place on Earth” (Guinness 2005, 2012, 2021). During this tour, you will experience the musical background of the building, the historic Sound 80 Studios space, which has since been recognized as “The World’s First Digital Recording Studio” (Guinness, 2005). You will gain insight into the context and mission of Orfield Labs, the world’s only independent, multi-sensory, design research and consulting firm. As you walk through the building, Orfield’s staff will demonstrate the role of design as related to human perception, in areas such as Lighting and Acoustics, where you will learn experientially about the senses as related to design. All participants will have the opportunity to spend 20 minutes in the anechoic chamber, which Guinness has deemed as “The Quietest Place on Earth.” Orfield Labs is also a Non-Profit Modern Art Gallery, showcasing Tucson Artists, Doug Shelton and Simon Donovan. Orfield also has the largest collection in the world of work by Modern Indigenous-Canadian Artist, Carl Beam. If class is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

Experience a silent, dark group session in the Orfield Anechoic Chamber, otherwise known as “The Quietest Place on Earth” (Guinness 2005, 2012, 2021). Defined as a room that is 100% sound-absorbent, Orfield’s chamber has been recognized internationally for its level of silence, measuring at an average of -13 dBA, with a current record of -24.9 dBA. Regarded by thousands of guests as the most peaceful of places, the chamber has become a place of silence and meditation for people visiting from all over the world. Note: These 1-hour sessions accommodate 5 people in the chamber at once. All participants are asked to remain in the chamber for the full hour, uninterrupted, while remaining quiet and still. If class is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.