The Total Flying Experience

In the begining there was the duty-free shop. These days, though, airports contain a multitude of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, essentially doubling as a suburban mall.

1 minute read

July 13, 2006, 9:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


Airports are no longer simply transportation infrastructure where airplanes land and passengers and cargo transit. They have evolved into complex multimodal, multifunctional enterprises driving substantial commercial development on their property and well beyond. Geared to speed, agility and connectivity, extended strings and clusters of aviation-oriented businesses and associated commercial and residential developments are forming along and near airport transportation corridors, giving rise to a new urban entity â€" the Aerotropolis.

"As a result of these changes, the airport itself is undergoing a metamorphosis, taking on many of the commercial functions of a metropolitan Central Business District (CBD). With the growing number of boutiques, restaurants, meeting facilities, and entertainment and cultural attractions, passenger terminals begin to resemble parts of downtown. Frankfurt Airport, for instance, has a hospital; Denver International has art galleries; and Las Vegas' McCarran has a museum. Many airports also have the density of highway and transit connections that are usually associated only with CBDs."

Thanks to David Godfrey

Monday, May 1, 2006 in The Next American City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of green ULEZ sign in London, UK.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution

Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

March 10, 2025 - Smart Cities World

Close-up of electric bus being charged with portable charger.

Zero-Emission Bus Fleets Grow, But Federal Funding Is in Jeopardy

Transit agencies around the country have purchased over 7,000 zero-emission buses, but a federal program that funds the shift could be eliminated under the new administration.

March 17 - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17 - The Wall Street Journal

Blue Connect 1 bus at nighttime in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Governor Opens Window for Regional Transit Authority

The proposed state budget includes a provision that allows local governments to establish a dedicated transit tax.

March 17 - Urban Milwaukee

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.