Airports can be overwhelming environments – crowded, noisy, fast-paced, and filled with sensory stimuli. For neurodivergent individuals, people with autism, and those who experience sensory processing difficulties, this can turn travel into a stressful experience. That’s where airport sensory rooms come in: purpose-designed spaces that offer calm, control, and comfort for passengers who need it most.

What Is An Airport Sensory Room?

An airport sensory room is a quiet, safe, and controlled space within a terminal where individuals can retreat from overstimulation. These rooms are typically equipped with calming lighting, soundproofing, tactile surfaces, soft furnishings, and interactive sensory elements tailored to various sensory needs. Some cater primarily to children, while others are inclusive of all ages and abilities.

They are increasingly recognised as essential facilities – not luxuries – as airports aim to become more inclusive and accessible to all passengers.

Why Are They Important?

Sensory rooms in airports help reduce anxiety and make the flying experience more manageable and enjoyable. For families travelling with children on the autism spectrum or passengers with cognitive or sensory impairments, these spaces can be a vital part of their journey.

They also demonstrate an airport’s commitment to inclusivity, aligning with global trends toward more accessible public infrastructure and improving the overall passenger experience.

Our Experience with Airport Sensory Rooms

We have been involved in the provision of both play areas and sensory rooms at several transport hubs, including Jersey Airport and Gatwick. These projects often come to us because airport planners seek experienced partners who understand how to balance functionality with design integrity.

Airports present a unique design challenge. Terminals are high-traffic environments with strict safety requirements, and sensory rooms must reflect the aesthetic of modern airport design while withstanding constant usage. Our work in this sector has been about finding that balance – delivering robust, attractive, and genuinely beneficial spaces.

How We Approach Sensory Room Design

We apply a science-led and human-centred approach to our sensory room projects, drawing on insights from occupational therapists, educational specialists, and academic research. Our goal is to go beyond the traditional “soft play” or primary-colour approach and design rooms that are tailored, flexible, and truly calming.

Key Design Principles We Consider:

Inclusivity: Sensory rooms often serve a diverse age group – from young children to older adults – and must be accessible and adaptable.
Customisation: We take into account individual preferences and sensory profiles, where possible, and design rooms that cater to various sensitivities around light, sound, and touch.
Aesthetics: Instead of defaulting to overly clinical or childlike design, we use natural colours, textures, and innovative forms to make the space feel inviting for all.
Durability: Materials must withstand high levels of use while still offering softness, safety, and sensory benefit.

While many sensory rooms follow a familiar blueprint, we believe there’s room for evolution. Our latest designs experiment with biophilic elements, modular lighting, and interactive zones that allow users to engage at their own pace.

From Schools to Airports: Applying What We’ve Learned

Our experience with sensory provision spans schools, hospitals, community hubs, and resource centres – environments where the sensory needs of users are often paramount. We’ve applied this experience directly to our airport projects, ensuring that the rooms are not only functional and beautiful but also grounded in real-world therapeutic benefit.

We continue to work closely with experts to refine our sensory environments and build spaces that make a difference in people’s lives – particularly in high-stress travel situations.

Airport Sensory Rooms: Designing for Calm, Comfort and Accessibility in Busy Terminals