In the minds of passengers, the most critical amenities for an airport are on-time flights and speedy security lines. But an engaging, modern terminal can enhance the flying experience as well.
That is the thinking at Portland International Airport, where the Port of Portland this week unveiled a new main terminal.
As The Columbian reports: “The terminal’s new 9-acre, wood-beamed ceiling is constructed entirely from sustainably harvested Douglas fir. Ficus, weeping pine and black olive trees provide shade from the 49 skylights above. Dappled sunlight illuminates the wavy, waterlike flooring below.”
The terminal is part of a $2.15 billion reconstruction project, which is being funded largely by airlines that serve PDX. It is difficult to say how much of that cost is passed along to passengers, but the investment can be valuable.
As officials from the Port of Portland wrote in a news release: “The new terminal also uses biophilic design — bringing in the natural world — to harness its benefits like lowering travelers’ stress, blood pressure, and heart rate and make it feel like a stroll through a Pacific Northwest forest.”
For many visitors, whether arriving for business or vacation, an airport serves as the front door to a community. It is their first connection to a city and can create a lasting impression that influences their opinion of the region. It is an impression they then will share with family, friends and co-workers. Considering that PDX served more than 8 million passengers in 2023, that can have a large impact.
Throughout construction, port officials emphasized a local connection. The Columbian reports: “95 percent of the steel used in the new roof came from within 25 miles, and all the wood came from within 300 miles of the airport, primarily from small family farms, tribal lands and sustainably managed forests.” A new series of food outlets also have a local flavor.
“You’re going to walk in and not feel like you’re in Chicago or Tallahassee (Fla.),” said Curtis Robinhold, executive director of the Port of Portland. “You’re going to be like: ‘This is the Pacific Northwest. That’s where I’m at. This is home.’ ”
Meanwhile, the lighting and giant video screens showing scenes of nature are designed as a calming influence. “If you’re in line, you can sort of chillax a little bit and look at something that gets your mind off of, ‘Oh God, I gotta, take off my shoes or whatever,’ ” Robinhold said.
All of this brings up the question of whether a city needs the Taj Mahal of airport terminals. That is difficult to quantify, but as RethinkingTheFuture.com, an architecture website, writes: “The design of airports plays a crucial role in shaping the passenger experience, from the moment they step foot into the terminal until they board their flight.”
While airport expansions often result in a sterile, hangarlike feel, the earthiness of Portland’s new terminal matches the culture of the region.
More importantly, officials say that security check-ins will be streamlined — a tangible benefit in addition to the more ethereal amenities. As U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said in a statement: “The passenger-friendly, speedier screening at Portland Airport is the future of air travel. Because so many Washingtonians go through PDX every year, these improvements will save the people of our state thousands of hours every year.”
If consistently on-time flights can be added to the mix, those passengers will undoubtedly be pleased with the new PDX terminal.
