Quiet Spaces in Buildings

Quiet spaces are essential accessibility features for visitors who need to regulate sensory input, manage sensory overload, or require a calm environment for health or wellbeing reasons.

Who Benefits

Quiet spaces serve multiple visitor groups:

  • Autistic visitors managing sensory processing needs
  • People with anxiety, PTSD, or trauma responses
  • People with migraine conditions who need to avoid overstimulation
  • People with hearing conditions who benefit from reduced auditory complexity
  • Caregivers and families needing respite from busy environments
  • Anyone experiencing sensory fatigue from prolonged exposure to stimulating environments

Where Quiet Spaces Are Most Important

Priority locations for quiet spaces include:

High-Stimulation Environments

  • Museums and galleries with echoing halls or multiple simultaneous audio sources
  • Transportation hubs (airports, train stations) with constant announcements
  • Shopping centers with music, announcements, and crowd noise
  • Sports venues and arenas with amplified sound and crowd reactions
  • Conference centers with multiple concurrent activities
  • Educational institutions with high foot traffic and activity noise

Acoustic Considerations

Buildings with these characteristics create particular need:

  • Hard reflective surfaces (marble, tile, glass)
  • High ceilings that amplify sound
  • Open-plan layouts without sound barriers
  • Multiple concurrent audio sources
  • Mechanical systems with constant background noise

Design Principles

Location and Access

Placement:

  • Easy to locate from main circulation routes
  • Signage using universal quiet symbols
  • Near but not adjacent to high-traffic areas
  • Close to accessible toilets and other facilities
  • Away from mechanical rooms, elevators, and service areas

Physical Access:

  • Step-free route from main entrance
  • Door width minimum 850mm (ideally 900mm or wider)
  • Level threshold or maximum 13mm (1/2 inch)
  • Automatic or power-assisted door preferred
  • Manual door with lightweight operation if automatic not feasible

Interior Features

Acoustic Treatment:

  • Acoustic panels or soft surfaces on walls and ceiling
  • Carpeting or soft flooring to reduce footfall noise
  • Solid door with weather stripping or acoustic seal
  • No mechanical ventilation noise (or very quiet HVAC)
  • No connection to public address system

Lighting:

  • Dimmable lighting controls accessible from seated position
  • Natural light with ability to control (blinds/curtains)
  • No fluorescent fixtures with visible flicker
  • Task lighting options for those who need to read or work
  • Avoid harsh overhead lighting

Seating and Layout:

  • Multiple seating types (chairs with armrests, chairs without, sofa, floor cushions)
  • Seating heights between 450-500mm seat height
  • Space for wheelchair users without needing to transfer
  • Options for solitary seating and small group seating
  • Clear circulation space minimum 1500mm turning circle

Sensory Supports:

  • Neutral color palette avoiding high-contrast patterns
  • Minimal or no scent (scent-free cleaning products)
  • Soft textures (throws, cushions)
  • Optional sensory tools (weighted blankets, fidget items)
  • No ticking clocks or other repetitive sounds

Technology and Connectivity

Consider providing:

  • Wi-Fi access
  • Power outlets at accessible heights
  • Emergency call button at seated height
  • Visual indicator outside showing occupancy (if private room)

Avoid:

  • Screens or monitors with moving content
  • Background music or white noise (unless user-controlled)
  • Automatic air fresheners

Usage Policies

Clear usage policies help maintain the space’s intended function and prevent conflicts.

Permitted Activities:

  • Resting, sitting quietly, breathing exercises
  • Reading or quiet personal work
  • Using the space for sensory regulation
  • Brief stays for recovery from sensory overload
  • Nursing/feeding (if private space)

Discouraged or Prohibited:

  • Work calls or phone conversations
  • Playing audio without headphones
  • Group meetings or collaborative work
  • Exercise or physical activities
  • Eating strong-smelling foods (unless explicitly permitted)
  • Extended occupation when others are waiting

Communication of Policies

At the entrance:

  • Visual sign with clear, simple language
  • Universal quiet symbol
  • Expected behaviors in positive framing
  • Maximum occupancy if applicable
  • Time limits during busy periods (e.g., “Please limit use to 20 minutes when others are waiting”)

Example Policy Text:

Quiet Space

This space is for rest and sensory regulation.

Please:

  • Keep conversations to whispers or silence
  • Use headphones for audio
  • Respect others’ need for quiet

Please avoid:

  • Phone calls or video calls
  • Strong-smelling foods
  • Group activities

Thank you for helping us maintain a calm environment for everyone.

Accessibility Requirements

Essential Features

  • Door operation: Automatic or very light manual door (maximum 22 Newtons / 5 pounds force)
  • Space dimensions: Minimum 1500mm x 1500mm clear floor space
  • Turning circle: 1500mm minimum for wheelchair users
  • Seating: Multiple options including wheelchair-accessible space
  • Lighting controls: Within reach range (400-1200mm height) from seated position
  • Emergency call: Visual and audible alarm, call button reachable from floor
  • Ventilation: Fresh air without mechanical noise

Standards Reference

  • Follow local building code requirements for refuge areas where applicable
  • Consider Changing Places toilet standards for understanding accessibility needs
  • Align with sensory-friendly space best practices (see Resources)

Documentation Requirements

When documenting quiet spaces in building access guides, include:

Location

  • Floor and zone
  • Nearest landmark or reference point
  • Distance and direction from main entrance
  • Proximity to accessible toilets and lifts

Physical Specifications

  • Door type and operation
  • Room dimensions
  • Seating capacity and types
  • Wheelchair accessible space (yes/no and dimensions)
  • Lighting control types and locations

Sensory Characteristics

  • Acoustic treatment present (yes/no)
  • Ambient noise level (subjective: very quiet/quiet/moderate)
  • Lighting conditions (dimmable/fixed/natural light available)
  • Temperature control (user-controlled/fixed)

Access and Policies

  • Open access or booking required
  • Time limits if any
  • Usage policies (link to full policy or brief summary)
  • Occupancy indicator if present
  • Staff support available (yes/no and how to request)

Example Documentation

## Quiet Space

**Location:** Level 2, near the accessible toilets, 50 meters from main lift

**Access:** Open to all visitors. No booking required.

**Door:** Automatic sliding door activated by push button at 900mm height

**Interior:**
- Room dimensions: 3m x 3m
- Acoustic panels on walls and ceiling
- Carpet flooring
- Dimmable LED lighting with wall controls at 1000mm height
- Natural light from window with blackout curtains
- Temperature controlled at 20°C (not user-adjustable)

**Seating:**
- 2 armchairs (seat height 480mm)
- 1 small sofa
- Floor cushions available
- Clear floor space for wheelchair user (1800mm x 1800mm)

**Features:**
- Weighted blankets available
- Wi-Fi access
- Power outlets at 400mm height
- Emergency call button at 450mm height (links to reception)

**Usage Policy:**
Please keep this space quiet and phone-free. If others are waiting, please limit your visit to 20 minutes. See full policy on door signage.

**Maintenance Note:** Checked daily. Report any issues to reception.

Maintenance Considerations

Quiet spaces require regular attention to maintain their function:

Daily Checks

  • Tidying and restocking (cushions, blankets)
  • Ensuring door operates correctly
  • Verifying lighting controls work
  • Checking emergency call system
  • Removing any noise sources

Weekly Checks

  • Deep cleaning with scent-free products
  • Checking acoustic panels for damage
  • Testing all accessibility features
  • Verifying signage is clear and intact

Periodic Reviews

  • Acoustic performance assessment
  • Lighting level measurements
  • User feedback collection
  • Policy effectiveness review

Failure Points

The quiet space becomes inaccessible when:

  • Door is propped open (compromises acoustic separation)
  • Room is repurposed for storage or meetings
  • Cleaning products with strong scents are used
  • Mechanical noise increases (HVAC failure, nearby construction)
  • Lighting controls malfunction
  • Space is consistently over-occupied without management

Document recovery procedures: How quickly can issues be resolved? Who is responsible?

Resources

Best Practice Guidance

Standards and Specifications

For acoustic performance specifications, consult:

  • Local building codes for sound transmission class (STC) ratings
  • Occupational health standards for acceptable noise levels
  • Universal design guidelines for sensory-friendly spaces

Implementation Checklist

Organizations creating or improving quiet spaces should:

  • Assess building for appropriate quiet space location(s)
  • Evaluate acoustic conditions of candidate spaces
  • Install acoustic treatment if needed
  • Ensure physical accessibility (door, circulation, seating)
  • Install dimmable lighting with accessible controls
  • Select appropriate furniture and sensory supports
  • Create clear usage policy with input from disabled people
  • Install clear signage with universal quiet symbol
  • Develop maintenance checklist and assign responsibility
  • Document the space in all building access materials
  • Publicize location through multiple channels
  • Collect user feedback and iterate
  • Review effectiveness annually

Back to Framework