Stress test
Learning high-stakes skills in a low-stakes environment.
A quiet moment
From chaotic to calm: the role of sensory spaces in airports
Vast, unfamiliar spaces. Multiple signs and checkpoints. Bright lights. PA announcements. People in motion, everywhere.
It’s an airport experience most of us have come to expect – and learned to navigate. For others, including those who are neurodiverse, these hallmarks are a major source of stress. At best they’re a significant challenge to overcome in the moment; at worst, a permanent barrier to travel itself.
Architectus Digital Lead Setareh Motlagh and the Aviation team are trying to change that by designing more calming, sensory spaces that offer relief within a busy, complex airport environment.
They already developed and launched A-UX – an immersive simulation that helps people with disabilities and travel anxiety move through an airport before even leaving home.
Now, they’re introducing other design interventions they hope will make the journey from check-in to gate easier, calmer and more inclusive.
“Everyone has the right to travel, and they need to be able to do that with dignity.”
— Setareh Motlagh, Architectus Digital Lead
Safe harbour in the storm
Not surprisingly, security is one of the most stressful zones in an airport. With that in mind, Setareh and our team have designed a walk-in and bookable modular space that can be introduced adjacent to security. It’s a place to retreat and reset, and to become more familiar – and therefore more comfortable – with what’s ahead.
Drawing on both her Architecture degree and Master’s in Physics, Setareh took a scientific, data-driven approach to the form and fitout of these spaces. For example, working with the team she’s carefully considered and factored in variables such as vibration that can impact how people experience their environment.
The team also worked closely with partners such as Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), which provided invaluable insight and feedback.
What’s inside these zones? They include a variety of calming elements – think tactile features to touch, soft lighting, and noise cancellation or dampening – as well as instructive elements such as the A-UX VR system loaded with a simulation of the immediate areas ahead in the airport.
Importantly, Setareh says the team designed these sensory spaces to become an integrated, seamless part of the journey, instead of well removed – and harder to find and access – as they can be today.
Examples in action
The team is exploring opportunities for other quiet airport spaces, such as a bubble-like, two-person pod where anyone feeling anxious could step away from their busy surroundings until they’re ready to continue their journey.
Internationally, we’re also seeing some innovative and inclusive design solutions appear in major airports. For example, London’s Gatwick is a standout for accessibility – the first airport in the UK to introduce a hidden disability lanyard to enhance support for passengers with autism, dementia, and other hidden disabilities.
At Architectus, we’re focused on how we can continue expanding and sharing our knowledge on inclusive design while working to introduce these practical, sensory spaces to Australian and international airport operations. At Sydney Airport, our design thinking is being employed in a project that’s already under way.
Setareh says she can see the benefits of these calming spaces beyond aviation. For example, they could help international students with limited language proficiency become familiar with their new university or assist people with anxiety as they move through large public buildings such as a hospital or library.
“It’s so important for designers to pause and reflect on how different groups might experience everyday spaces,” she adds.
“The final outcome should be welcoming, supportive, and comfortable – not just for some, but for everyone.”
— Setareh Motlagh, Architectus Digital Lead
