There are many elements that set airport design apart from other construction and design projects. The one we’re going to focus on today is the passenger experience. A traveler may not have a choice if they want to fly. That means you want their experience to be positive so they prefer to choose air travel again.
Understand Passenger Behavior
As an architecture firm with multiple offices and clients throughout the country, we’ve spent our fair share of time traveling through airports. Certain passenger behaviors are similar no matter where we are. The better your architect understands your typical passenger and your goals with the renovation or new construction project, the better they can include designs that will improve the passenger experience.
Common Behavior #1 – People Prefer to Travel with Their Suitcase
According to a survey by The Go Group, only 27% of passengers say they always check their luggage. That means there are many people pulling their luggage through the airport regularly. This causes issues primarily in two places: the bathrooms and the gate waiting areas. The bathroom solution is to have longer stalls and have the doors open out. By making it easier for a person to go into a stall with a suitcase, you’re reducing the time a person spends trying to get in and out therefore making the lines go faster. In the gate areas, if you widen the seating area by just one foot, you make room for suitcases and people to walk through the seating.
Common Behavior # 2 – Passengers Utilize Electronics While Waiting
The time people wait due to delays, reduced availability of direct flights, and other reasons has increased recently. That means you need to include flexible outlets near gate seating. Include USB-C, USB, and standard 110v power outlets in your design. Compliment them with strong and sufficient Wi-Fi and you’ll increase the passenger experience for those who find themselves stuck with a delayed flight or missed connection.
Common Behavior # 3 – Even the Best Wayfinding Signage Leaves People Confused
Part of the reason for this is people fear the unknown. And, all to often when flying, people are flying through a new-to-them airport. Clear and consistent signage improves the passenger experience. Also, make it easy and convenient for someone to stop and look for their connection or a place to eat. So, if you have an area with an arrivals and departures board or map of the shops in the airport, make sure there is sufficient space for people to stop and find the information they need without impeding the flow of traffic.
Sandbar Architects Offer Exceptional Airport Design
Airport design isn’t something every architecture firm includes in their services. At Sandbar Architecture, we are ready to help you and your team with new terminal construction, major or minor redesign of existing spaces, or even a whole new airport. Contact us by clicking here or calling (727) 308-1773 to schedule an initial consultation.