Enhancing Community Through Airport Design
Nazanin Kamyab, project manager at HNTB, leverages her extensive background in aviation planning and design to shape innovative airport experiences. Kamyab has led design teams at Tampa International Airport for the new Concourse D and oversees projects at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is undergoing a multi-year modernization and expansion. With a commitment to crafting seamless travel environments, Kamyab views airports as destinations that embody their communities. Kamyab shares insights on how this approach enhances passenger experiences and connects travelers to local culture.
What role do airports play in representing a community?
Airports serve as gateways to a city, shaping visitors' first impressions and setting the stage for their overall experience. When thoughtfully designed to embody a community’s unique character, an airport becomes more than just a transit hub; it acts as a vibrant extension of the city itself, immersing travelers in local culture from the moment they arrive.
Distinctive design features, such as regional art installations, local culinary offerings and architectural details that reflect the local landscape, foster a memorable experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
How important is the balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal in airport design?
Efficiency is crucial for both travelers and airport staff, making it essential to design spaces that enable smooth movement throughout the airport. However, this focus on functionality shouldn’t come at the expense of aesthetics. In our design process, we prioritize creating environments that are both efficient and visually appealing.
Efficiency can be achieved across various touchpoints, from curbside access to gate lounges, and back of house functions such as baggage handling systems, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the passenger journey. By engaging in an iterative, collaborative approach with stakeholders, we can develop and incorporate strategies, innovations, and design solutions to support operational goals, resulting in a balanced experience that minimizes wait times, enhances comfort and ultimately elevates passenger experience.
For example, at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, intuitive layouts along with clear signage optimized passenger flow, while integrating local culture and designing spaces for live music performances added an authentic touch to the traveler’s experience without sacrificing efficiency.
When thoughtfully designed to embody a community’s unique character, an airport becomes more than just a transit hub; it acts as a vibrant extension of the city itself, immersing travelers in local culture from the moment they arrive.
– Nazanin Kamyab
Project Manager
How does designing for different types of passengers affect the overall airport layout and amenities?
Tailoring airport design to different types of passengers is crucial for creating a positive experience for everyone. Identifying passenger profiles is essential from the beginning of a project because they can significantly shape the airport’s layout and program.
The design should incorporate amenities that cater to each location’s primary passenger demographics. For example, if an airport serves many tech-savvy travelers, a robust technology infrastructure is essential. If the airport sees more retired tourists, features like wheelchair access and ample resting areas become priorities. Each feature must be thoughtfully integrated to meet the unique needs of the airport’s users.
How do you envision airports continuing to evolve in the future?
Technology is a key driver of airport evolution, and it’s essential for the aviation industry to embrace these advancements with an open mind.
One example is the use of artificial intelligence, like smart help desks and autonomous wheelchairs, which will play a growing role in enhancing the passenger experience. Passengers increasingly expect touchless processes and integrated technologies, such as biometric systems, which streamline various airport operations. Biometrics, using unique physical traits to verify identity, can significantly improve efficiency at security checkpoints, making the journey faster and more convenient. For airport design, incorporating these emerging trends and technologies ensures facilities are future-ready and adaptable to changes over time.
Technological advancements also extend behind the scenes, where legacy systems are being upgraded to improve efficiency for both employees and travelers. Together, these innovations are shaping airports that are smarter, more agile and better equipped for the future.
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