How Airport Remodels Got Practical and Aesthetic

As the air travel industry has exploded in scope in the last several decades, major airports have had to adapt to cope with the millions of travelers moving through them. This adaptation has taken on many forms that include new technologies, updated security measures, increased airport sizes, additional creature comforts, and of course, major design changes.

These design changes include everything from the superstructures of airports to their flooring and other construction materials. Here's a breakdown of some of the major shifts that are making headway right now.

Easier Mobility

Most major airports in the world are gigantic places and often the largest public structures in any given city. In many of them, there's simply no way to avoid causing at least some inconvenient legwork for rushing travelers.

Despite this, many new and newly renovated airports are trying to improve by redesigning their internal layouts. Their aim is to make it easier for flyers to go from entering, to check-in, to their main gate as easily and quickly as possible without getting lost.

One newer example of this is Istanbul Airport, which despite being the 2nd busiest airport in Europe and the 2nd busiest in the world for international passengers, has been designed to maximize passenger access and mobility between the main concourse section and the different terminals along with their gates. This new airport achieves this through a physical layout that minimizes all possible bottlenecks and simplifies as many of the usual check-in procedures as possible for its millions of travelers. It also features a very open design that allows for easy foot traffic flow in all main areas.

Improved Visitor Amenities

Airports are also increasing the quantity and quality of the amenities they provide. Basic options include improved, airport-wide free WiFi access, much better connectivity and charging options for mobile and other electronic devices, and wider access to superior comfort facilities.

In the case of some airports, full-service medical clinics, integrated hotels, and convention centers are also being added in to give people more convenient access to robust visitor services. Other amenities include VIP lounges, spas, gourmet restaurants, cocktail bars, and of course, more diverse shopping options.

Health and Security Measures

The COVID pandemic had a tremendous impact not just on air travel as a whole, but also on the health measures of airports worldwide. Because of this massive global upheaval, both government authorities and commercial interests have begun redesigning some airports in ways that further minimize sanitary risks. Some of these measures include touchless airport interactions for steps such as check-in, baggage drop-offs, and ID verification. Airport spaces are also being redesigned or built to minimize crowding and maximize airflow.

Layout Aesthetics

Other upgrade features of airports have included access to outdoor garden spaces and fresh air, higher airport ceilings, and increased facility ventilation through larger windows or open spaces. Even the flooring in many airports has been designed for easy cleaning and impermeability to stains or spills.

One example of extraordinary layout aesthetics can be found at Singapore's Changi International Airport. In this facility, entire indoor jungle gardens have been combined with luxurious modern amenities inside vast, airy interior spaces to create a truly unique layout.

Design Materials

A key part of the many new design trends in newer and newly renovated airports today is the use of lighter, stronger, airier materials and those that blend aesthetic value with easy maintenance and durability. A quick look at some of the world's newest airports and airport renovations—such as the above-mentioned Istanbul International Airport, or the entirely new terminal at Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans—clearly shows how they emphasize all of these above design elements.

Ideal Materials for Airport Flooring

But when it comes to airport flooring, Terrazzo tiles are the superior choice. They are built to last for decades, are extremely easy to clean, and can be installed rapidly and efficiently across millions of square feet of floor space. It can also be extremely decorative and colorful. For example, Cleveland Airport uses Terrazzo flooring, as does Pittsburgh International.

However, Terrazzio tiles offer a version of Terrazzo that is better than the rest. Flooring provided by Terrazzio comes in tile sizes larger than anyone else—meaning less seams—and can be installed quickly and efficiently. It can also be prepared to suit any color or internal visual design required. This is something that other types of durable floors such as those made from ordinary tile floors or polished concrete can't match. Contact us to learn more and to see a sample for yourself!