Airport Cities

The generic look of airports has undergone some major changes in recent years—and few can say they will miss things like cheerless corridors, dull facades, sparse retail, substandard food, high prices, and minimal services. Bustling city centers now are more the norm where travelers can find recreational activities, better food, and more-enticing retail. These airport cities have taken many of their design cues from the assets of the region they are located in, for which the airport then acts as an ambassador and economic generator. This new style of airport takes into account not just the needs of passengers, but also those of its airport employees and, to a varying extent, the local residents, with much of the surrounding land developed to serve these groups, as well as the business community. Editor's note: The full text of this article is only available to ULI members.

Thanks to Urban Land Institute