I was with some friends travelling to central London recently, and we exited the tube system at Tottenham Court Road station. This station is currently undergoing refurbishment as part of the new Crossrail extension, and you now leave through a recently constructed exit.

On the way up the escalators, we all commented to each other how the station felt considerably different to other tube stations. It felt better, nicer, more pleasant. This was strange, as the fit and finish is no different to other new tube stations. Eventually one of my friends realised the difference: there was no advertising.

I think we underestimate the mental load that advertising clutter causes us, even when it's merely in the background. We're so used to it that it's not until it's gone that we realise how burdensome it actually is.