For travellers dealing with sensory overload and travel-related stress, Changi Airport has launched its first sensory-friendly facility, the Calm Room, located in Terminal 2’s departure transit area.
Comprising four zones, the 200+ sqm room include quiet areas for rest and relief, as well as supportive spaces designed to help passengers gently recover from sensory overload or emotional overwhelm.
For instance, the open-concept Forest area features circular ‘biophilic windows’, which are calming visual projections of Singapore’s lush natural landscapes, while gentle music and birdsong play in the background.
The Nest holds two private rooms that are acoustically dampened for added privacy during more intense episodes. Colour-tunable lighting allow users to adjust the ambience to suit their sensory needs.
The Den, is designed for individuals who find calm through movement. These include padded walls, floors, and a variety of seating surfaces to cater to different rest positions and age groups.
Additionally, the area is equipped with a virtual Changi Experience Ambassador display, offering on-demand assistance to those who may need support.
The Calm Room is the latest initiative under the CARE@Changi programme, which aims to create a more inclusive travel experience.
Lending insights to the design were organisations like Asian Women's Welfare Association (AWWA) and Metta Welfare Association (MWA), as well as private interviews with families of persons with invisible disabilities, to ensure the space is safe for both neurodivergent travellers and their caregivers.