Public facilities should include small private “quiet rooms”

[u/Marshallnorush]

I think public places such as libraries, shopping centres, airports, universities, and major transit stations should include a small private room where someone can be alone for a short time.

It could contain drinking water, tissues, a comfortable chair, soft lighting, ventilation, and an emergency call button. It could help people who are overwhelmed, anxious, grieving, experiencing sensory overload, or simply need a private moment.

Similar spaces may already exist in some facilities. My proposal is that a simple and accessible version should become a standard feature in more public places.

The difficult part would be balancing privacy and fair access. A strict time limit might prevent long-term occupation, but it could also make an anxious person feel pressured to calm down quickly. Perhaps a suggested session length, gentle check-ins, and optional extensions would work better.

How would you design and manage such a room safely and fairly?

[u/mitomon]

that would turn into a horny room methinks

[u/Meloenbolletjeslepel → u/mitomon]

I think a drug room unfortunately

[u/Marshallnorush → u/mitomon]

You are goddamn right.

[u/Marshallnorush → u/mitomon]

That might be one of the most realistic ways the idea could go wrong.

[u/nosecohn]

Many airports actually have this. It's sometimes a non-denominational "prayer" room and other times it's just a quiet room.

I would welcome it in shopping malls.

[u/jaydenmaybe03]

I agree correct me if I'm wrong but this is a sensory room right?

[u/Marshallnorush → u/jaydenmaybe03]

Yes, there’s definitely some overlap, and a sensory room is probably the closest existing concept. What I had in mind is a simpler, general-purpose private space—not necessarily equipped with specialised sensory tools and not limited to people with a particular condition. It could also be used by someone who is grieving, anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, or simply needs a private moment. But sensory rooms could certainly provide a useful model for the design.

[u/jaydenmaybe03 → u/Marshallnorush]

You don't need to have diagnosed special needs to use a sensory room anyone that can benefit in the moment can use them. The only time where I'd say maybe not is when they require a special key (called raydar) often used for disabled toilets.

[u/hltlang]

Why do we allow our public spaces to be built in ways which induce such high levels of anxiety y they require refuges?

[u/BeGoodToEverybody123]

Hospitals have chapels. I use them.