Calm Space

Project Roadmap

Initial Ideation

Through extensive site analysis at Esplanade, we generated approximately 100 initial ideas which were systematically evaluated based on feasibility, scalability, aesthetics, and impact. After scoring all solutions, we identified the top 3 problem areas to tackle – Tactile Maps/Models, Garden Seating Pods, and Calm Space Partitions. These were consolidated into three main intervention areas: wayfinding solutions for the visually impaired, resting pods for wheelchair users and caregivers, and calm spaces for neurodivergent individuals. Following detailed evaluation, we eliminated the garden seating pods due to inflexibility and redundancy with existing facilities, and the wayfinding system due to implementation challenges and community preference for technological solutions. Ultimately, calm spaces for neurodivergent individuals emerged as the most viable option, offering both high impact and feasibility while addressing limitations in existing temporary setups.

Research and Site Analysis

The research phase incorporated the ASPECTSS Architecture for Autism framework to establish core design requirements for calm spaces. Through expert consultation, survey feedback from 50 respondents, and detailed site analysis of existing spaces at Esplanade, key insights were gathered regarding accessibility needs and user preferences. A JavaScript simulation helped validate design decisions by modeling user flow and space utilization. This comprehensive research informed essential design elements including visual aesthetics, materials, lighting, acoustics, and spatial layout to create an inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly environment.

Solution

Through an iterative development process, we refined our design based on valuable feedback from Esplanade staff and observations during relaxed performances. Multiple testing sessions at both Esplanade and SUTD’s Fabrication Laboratory helped optimize the layout, design elements, and material selection. This comprehensive approach led to the creation of our final modular calm space.

Towards a More Inclusive Society

Singapore’s journey towards inclusivity has become increasingly vital as we recognize the diverse needs of our community members, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs). According to statistics from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (2018), 3.4% of those aged 18-49 and 13.3% of those aged 50 and above live with disabilities. Their experiences navigating public spaces and participating in community life highlight the need for thoughtful, accessible design.

Our project aligns with the Enabling Masterplan 2030’s strategic themes of Lifelong Learning, Independent Living, and Inclusive Environments, addressing Areas 10 and 13 – focusing on creating inclusive public spaces and promoting accessible arts and heritage experiences. As Singapore faces an aging population and rising chronic health conditions, we envision this calm space as a stepping stone toward a more empathetic and accessible society, where every individual can fully participate in and contribute to our shared community life.

State of Accessibility in the Arts

Singapore’s arts scene has made significant strides in accessibility, with the Esplanade leading the way through thoughtful initiatives that address diverse needs. Working alongside the Agency for Integrated Care, they’ve implemented practical solutions like “Safe Return” points for those with dementia, wheelchair-accessible seating, and relaxed environment shows for visitors with sensory sensitivities. These initiatives align with global best practices in cultural accessibility, reflecting Singapore’s commitment to making the arts truly inclusive for all members of society, with growing attention to the needs of neurodivergent audiences worldwide.

Site Analysis

In order to identify the most crucial problem areas that we should tackle under the broad theme of “Scaling Accessibility at Esplanade”, the team embarked on multiple site analysis at Esplanade to identify any key areas that we can tackle. We aimed to find focus areas that had the greatest impact that we could feasibly tackle.

Building the Modular Calm Space

After the various site visits and scoping down the project to focus on the neurodivergent, we started to prototype the calm space. Our process began with extensive consultations with experts from Singapore’s neurodivergent community, who provided valuable feedback on our initial concepts. Following this, we conducted detailed site analysis to understand spatial constraints and engaged with Esplanade to identify specific challenges with their existing calm spaces.

To validate our design concept, we developed an initial proof-of-concept prototype at SUTD’s FabLab. This phase helped us refine and optimize our design direction before final implementation. Our user research included both online surveys and in-person material testing during a relaxed environment performance at Esplanade, gathering direct input from the neurodivergent community about their preferences and needs.

Market research led us to identify suppliers offering off-the-shelf products that aligned with our design requirements. We assembled the final prototype incorporating these components and enhanced it with custom features, including self-installed LED lighting systems, to create a comprehensive sensory-considerate environment.

Site Analysis, Surveys and Consultations

Prototyping

Assembly

We consulted with experts within both the PWD (Persons with Disabilities) space and the neurodivergence space to understand better the needs of persons with disabilities, and in particular the neurodivergent. This helped us frame our design process.

We conducted multiple analysis of the site both in person and using the floor plans and also created a digital simulation to understand the constraints of the venue to ensure that our design proposal would fit properly into the space without creating hazards and other problems such as bottlenecks.

In order to better understand the potential usage patterns of the calm space during performances, we created a digital simulation that allowed us to understand the people flow within the calm space, and to also understand if there will be any problems that arise such as bottlenecks.

We also conducted various surveys to understand the needs of the neurodivergent and also the PWD community in general.

Next, we conducted prototyping to create a proof of concept for our design and also to ensure that any issues within our design is ironed out right away. In this phase, we mainly focused on the partition wall as it was the most important factor in creating a calming and soothing environment for the neurodivergent outside of the performances in the calm space. The other components such as the beanbag chair relied more on a more collaborative approach such as the materials survey we touched on earlier for us to validate our design. For the partition wall, we first created multiple small scale prototypes to understand the different possibilities in our design configuration, such as the adjustment of porosity of the partition wall.

Then, we created a full scale prototype to understand the calming effects of the wall.

Finally, we considered the various colours of the partition wall to understand which would be the most soothing and calming.

Finally, we evaluated vendors whose products aligned with our design specifications. Rather than pursuing custom prototyping, which would have required extensive lead time, we opted for existing solutions. This approach allows us to maintain flexibility for final adjustments before assembling the calm space for user testing. We also created anchor system for the partition screen to ensure that it does not topple.

Survey on Materials

We also did a survey on which materials to use for the fabric in our Calm Space. This survey was conducted during a relaxed environment performance at Esplanade, and was aimed to find out which material would produce the most soothing and calming effect. During the survey, participants were presented with various fabric swatches and used blue sticker dots to indicate their preferred textures, allowing us to gather quantitative data on material preferences for creating the most relaxing atmosphere.

Assembly

The assembly process is designed for maximum versatility and ease of use. The accordion screen features an adjustable curvature that accommodates various spatial requirements and lengths. Pre-assembled baseplates, containing sealed steel plates in plastic enclosures, integrate seamlessly with the screen’s curvature. Assembly follows a systematic approach: expanding the screen at ends and middle, inserting poles, attaching tops, and finally securing the weighted bases starting from the middle and working outward. This modular design ensures straightforward setup while maintaining structural integrity.

In partnership with :

Acknowledgements

We extend our gratitude to Ms. Teo Swee Shang and Ms. Gina Koh from Esplanade for their guidance and valuable feedback throughout our project. At SUTD, we thank Dr. Zheng Kai, our Capstone Mentor, Dr. Teo Tee Hui, Dr. Daisuke Mashima, and Dr. Susan Wong from CWR for their mentorship. Special thanks to Dr. Dawn Joy Leong for her expertise on Calm spaces, and to members of the neurodivergent community who provided invaluable insights for our project.

We also thank Mr. Alvin Tan, Mr. Weelie Chang, and Ms. Priscilla Zeng from SG Enable, Ms. Jocelyn Ang and Ms. Lam Yi Xuan from National Gallery Singapore for sharing their expertise on Calm Room development, and Mr. Kee and Ms. Lyn from Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) for their insights on accessibility needs.

Team members

Instructors:

Writing Instructors:

Project Roadmap

Towards a More Inclusive Society

State of Accessibility in the Arts

Site Analysis

Building the Modular Calm Space

Survey on Materials

Assembly

In partnership with :

Acknowledgements

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Contact the Capstone Office :

+65 6499 4076

8 Somapah Road Singapore 487372

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Contact the Capstone Office :

+65 6499 4076

8 Somapah Road Singapore 487372

About Capstone Design Programme

8 Somapah Road Singapore
487372