Transport for London (TfL) has partnered with NOOK pod and charity Autistica to run a trial of a calm space at Ealing Broadway station.
The four-week trial aims to support customers who may find travelling overwhelming and need a quiet space to pause, regulate and recover before continuing their journey. The calm space forms part of TfL’s Equity in Motion customer strategy, which commits to breaking down barriers to travel and making London’s transport network more accessible for everyone.
The calm space pod provides a welcoming, low-stimulation environment within the station where customers can take a moment away to rest. The space features an acoustic shelter designed to reduce surrounding noise, complemented by nature inspired design elements and a calming colour palette to create a more comfortable environment. It has been inclusively designed with space for mobility aids and assistance animals, while secure fixed seating, level access and easy-to-clean surfaces help ensure safety, accessibility and ease of maintenance.
TfL is encouraging customers to visit the calm space, which is situated Ealing Broadway from 4 September for 8 weeks, and share their feedback on how it supported their journey. Customers can submit feedback by scanning the QR code on and inside the Nook, or by visiting THIS LINK. The insights gathered will help TfL better understand customer needs and inform future recommendations for inclusive design across the network.
To ensure the project is shaped by lived experience, TfL partnered with Autistica to co-design the concept with neurodivergent people through workshops, focus groups and surveys. The research suggested the significant difference that access to a calm, low-stimulation space could make during a journey, helping people feel more confident, independent and able to continue travelling when they might otherwise choose not to.
Another two Nook pods will be trialled for an eight-week period at London Transport Museum, for further insight into how calm spaces can support people across different settings and circumstances.
TfL will also take part in the NeuroPlaces Exhibition and Conference during Shoreditch Design Week, showcasing its accessible travel tools, innovative initiatives and staff training programmes. TfL will also host a panel discussion exploring the role of neuroinclusive design across the transport network.
Mark Evers, TfL’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Everyone should be able to travel confidently and independently across London, and we know that busy environments can sometimes pose a barrier and be overwhelming, particularly for our neurodivergent customers.
“This trial will help us understand how we can better support customers who might need to take some time out when using our services. By working closely with Autistica and people with lived experience, we are testing an innovative approach that could help more people to benefit from our services.
David O'Coimin, Founder of NOOK, said: "NOOK was created to help make environments work better for more people, and we are incredibly proud to support TfL and Autistica on this important trial, contributing in one of the most important public spaces in the country.
"For us, this is about recognising that people experience busy environments differently, and that a small amount of thoughtfully designed space can make a significant difference to someone’s ability to travel, participate and feel independent and understood.
"We hope this trial demonstrates what’s possible when inclusive design, lived experience and innovation come together - making calm, accessible spaces a normal part of public life.
