The Whadjuk Noongar people
Western Australia
The new Sensory Room at Perth Airport was designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent travellers through extensive research and community engagement. Collaborating closely with Perth Airport’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Group, we conducted surveys and site visits to gather insights that shaped the design. The room, thoughtfully designed within a challenging brownfield site, focuses on creating a calm and controlled environment, allowing users to adjust lighting and sound to their personal preferences. It serves all ages, offering a range of decompression areas from enclosed spaces to semi-private seating, aimed at sensory avoiders rather than being child-focused. The durable yet welcoming space includes tactile finishes, soothing colors, and sensory accessories, ensuring a meaningful experience for diverse users. This project sets a precedent for future inclusive designs, reinforcing the importance of listening to lived experiences to enhance the travel journey for everyone.
The sensory room at Perth Airports Terminal 1 is a clever response to complex brief and a compressed program. Located in a little utilised corner of the departure and arrivals area, it fills the space with poise and purpose. Quite simply it will transform the travel experience for neurodivergent passengers.
The space serves as a quiet and reflective environment for a broad range of users, catering for individuals and groups, and considers sensory requirements across multiple ages. Finishing textures have been thoughtfully selected, and the availability of filtered natural light elevates the experience by providing some connection to time and place. The sensory room provides a much-needed space in the transient and fast paced airport setting.
The considered response was the culmination of a co-design process engaging with a large stakeholder group and the wider community, masterfully conducted by the Plus team. The space caters for all ages and abilities and provides a truly inclusive response. The design team’s attention to detail is evident in all aspects, from the user experience through to the more utilitarian requirements of maintenance.
The Sensory room stands as a benchmark for air travel in Australia and is an exceptional example of empowered design. A small project can make a big difference.
The new Sensory Room focuses on removing barriers for neurodivergent people of all ages, providing areas for decompression in a busy airport environment. Extensive consultation through the Access and Inclusion Advisory Group led to a full-scale room demo, tested and refined with feedback. With private spaces and seating nooks for individuals, carers, and families, this initiative supports an inclusive travel experience. Knowing there is a calming place to take a break will offer comfort to many. Perth Airport cares and was very passionate about this project.
Patric Przeradzki, Project Director
Giordana Vizzari, Interior Designer
Nicholas Nieto, Architectural Designer
Kim Ling, Interior Designer
Michael Twartz, Electrical Consultant
Simon Lefort, Specialist Lighting and AV
Mark Draper, Structural Engineer
Nick Tester, Mechanical Engineer
Dennis Preston, Fire Protection Engineer
Andrew Harman, Building Surveyor for Design Stage