Changi Airport’s Calm Room: A Trailblazing Initiative By Singapore To Make Travel More Accessible For Neurodivergent And Special Needs Passengers

The Calm Room is divided into four distinct zones, each carefully crafted to cater to different sensory needs. These zones were designed with input from various stakeholders and focus on creating an environment where users can relax, recharge, and regain control over their sensory experiences.

Upon entering the Calm Room, visitors are greeted by a serene, neutral-toned space that offers a retreat from the noise and hustle of the terminal. The room also features a virtual Changi Experience Ambassador display, which provides on-demand assistance for passengers who require further support during their visit. This initiative ensures that travelers with sensory or emotional sensitivities have easy access to help when needed.

One of the standout features of the Calm Room is The Forest zone. This area, inspired by nature, offers an open-concept space with circular ‘biophilic windows’ that project calming visuals of Singapore’s lush natural landscapes. These immersive projections are designed to reduce anxiety, providing passengers with a peaceful, nature-inspired experience. The Forest is also accompanied by soothing music and birdsong, helping to create a multisensory environment that promotes relaxation.

The seating arrangements in The Forest are designed with comfort in mind, providing options that cater to various postures and age groups. Whether visitors want to sit back and enjoy the calming visuals or simply rest, there’s a seating option to suit everyone’s preferences.

Next, The Den zone is dedicated to those who find comfort through physical movement. This area features padded walls, floors, and seating, creating a safe space for users to engage in gentle movement. Pebble-shaped cushions are strategically placed to encourage imaginative play, offering support for sensory regulation activities such as vestibular stimulation (which affects balance and spatial awareness) and proprioception (which involves body awareness). These activities help users self-soothe, release pent-up energy, and regain emotional stability during their travels.

The final zone, The Nest, is designed for passengers who need a more private, quiet space to calm down. It features two acoustically dampened rooms that provide the ultimate in privacy and tranquility, especially during moments of heightened stress or sensory overload. The Nest also includes colour-tunable lighting, allowing users to customize the atmosphere to suit their sensory preferences. This flexibility enables visitors to adjust the room’s lighting to a calming hue that helps them manage emotional responses more effectively.

In addition to its physical design, the Calm Room also provides practical features, such as adjustable lighting and sound options, ensuring that every visitor can tailor the space to their unique needs. These elements work together to create an environment that reduces stress, offering neurodivergent travelers a valuable space to rest and regroup before continuing their journey.

Changi Airport’s Calm Room is a significant step forward in making air travel more inclusive and accessible. By offering a dedicated sensory space, the airport not only caters to the needs of neurodivergent individuals but also sets a new standard for how airports around the world can accommodate diverse passenger needs. This initiative aligns with Changi’s broader vision of enhancing passenger experiences, making air travel more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.