Transforming Airports into Destinations: The Changi Airport Phenomenon
When Jewel opened at Singapore’s Changi Airport six years ago, it was met with awe and admiration for its greenery and waterfalls. This marked a turning point for the already renowned airport, as it was now transforming into its own destination.
Jaron Lubin, senior partner at Safdie Architects, which designed Jewel, spoke about the future of airport design, stating that “people seek to hang out in the departures areas at Changi, which is completely insane, but people do it. ” This concept of an airport as a destination, rather than just a place to catch a plane, has gained traction in recent years. Airports around the world, from Denver to New York to Portland, are trying to replicate Changi’s success.
However, making an airport a destination is not an easy feat, especially when considering local customs. Jewel’s success can be attributed in part to Changi already being a popular destination for Singaporeans. On the other hand, few New Yorkers would consider going to JFK for lunch or dinner when not traveling. Therefore, the first step to making global gateways local is by making them attractive to the local community.
Global Gateways with Local Flair
New airport terminals strive to showcase their location through their architecture, which is often inspired by nearby landmarks such as mountains or beaches. They also entice popular local businesses to open outlets in the terminal and incorporate local themes in everything from public art to lounge interiors.
This trend can be seen in the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airports list, which highlights unique design elements of each of the six winners. For example, Yantai Penglai International Airport in China features curves and materials that “echo the nature all around the structure. ” Marseille Provence Airport’s Terminal 1 acts as a bridge between a historic 1960s structure and a 1990s expansion, with a timber canopy and interior spaces that pay homage to “the boathouses of the Old Port of Marseille. ” Kansai International Airport in Osaka also incorporates a distinctly Japanese feel with its use of natural materials in the recent update to Terminal 1.
One notable example is the arrivals terminal at Roland Garros Airport on Réunion Island, designed by AIA Life Designers. The Prix Versailles jury praised its “bioclimatic” design that adapts to the local climate and environment, with features specifically tailored for the island’s intense sun, trade winds, and storms.
San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) Terminal 1 takes the concept of local design to the next level by extending it to the entire Harvey Milk Terminal and concourse. According to Doug Yakel, a public information officer at SFO, “even if you’re not going into the city, you get a little snapshot of what San Francisco and the Bay Area are all about.