SINGAPORE: Neurodivergent travellers can now better manage sensory overload and travel-related stress in a new sensory-friendly space at Changi Airport’s Terminal 2.
The Calm Room, situated at the terminal’s departure transit area, is the latest initiative under the CARE@Changi programme, which strives to create a more inclusive travel experience, the Changi Airport Group (CAG) said in a release on Oct 17.
Spanning over 200sq m – slightly bigger than a five-room or executive HDB flat – the room features four zones designed to give neurodivergent travellers and their caregivers a place to rest and find relief.
The room’s design was developed with organisations like AWWA and Metta Welfare Association, and CAG also engaged families of people with invisible disabilities through interviews and user feedback sessions.
CAG’s senior vice-president of airport operations services Ang Siew Min said: “We recognise that the airport environment may be overwhelming for some. The Calm Room is designed to provide passengers and their caregivers the comfort, support and peace of mind to navigate travel with ease.”
The four zones are:
The Welcome Area
Upon entering the Calm Room, users are greeted by a soothing, neutral-toned space away from the terminal’s busy environment. This area also features a virtual Changi Experience Ambassador display, offering on-demand assistance for those who may need support.
The Forest
The Forest is an open-concept area with circular biophilic windows showcasing calming visual projections of Singapore’s lush natural landscapes, designed to ease travel anxiety.
Biophilic design uses elements of nature – natural materials, natural light and vegetation – to provide respite and boost moods in a modern setting.
These immersive displays are complemented by gentle music and birdsong.
The Den
The Den is tailored for people who find calm through movement. Padded walls, floors and seating create a safe space for physical activity, while pebble-shaped cushions add a playful element that encourages imaginative use and gentle motion.
This supports sensory regulation, including vestibular engagement, which is balance and spatial awareness.
It also supports proprioception, which is body awareness, to help users to self-soothe and relax.
The Nest
The Nest offers two private, acoustically dampened rooms for added privacy during more intense moments.
An acoustically dampened room is a space where sound energy is reduced, typically by converting the energy into heat.
To further aid emotional regulation, users can customise the ambience of the room to their sensory preferences by adjusting the colour of the lighting there. — The Straits Times/ANN
