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 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
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
