Bill Hooper looks at the global effort to reinvent the airport as a place where people will actually want to spend time.
With an astonishing 5 billion travelers passing through the world's airports last year, owners and developers around the globe are seeking to turn hassled and harried peons into pampered customers. "Surely, there's more going on here than making nice-nice with
travelers," notes Hooper, an architect and Principal at Gensler. "'Aspirational' airports-those that have mastered the art of
distracting and ultimately luring travelers-have the potential to make
big money."
Examples abound.
"In Munich, the airport takes travelers to a precisely-honed Bavarian wunderland, a microcosm of Munich with an onsite brewery, indoor beer garden and slick Audi showroom. Changi Airport in Singapore has a Balinese-themed swimming pool among its long list of amenities. In Hong Kong, the airport entertains. Consider the outdoor nine-hole golf course and 350-seat IMAX theater that claims the largest projection screen in Hong Kong."
FULL STORY: The Airport Of The Future Is About More Than Takeoff And Landing

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

FTA Announces Accessibility Funding for ‘Legacy Stations’
The 2024 budget includes close to $350 million for accessibility improvements at transit stations.

Green Spaces Benefit Neighborhoods—When Residents can Reach Them
A study comparing green space and walkability scores found that, without effective access to local parks, residents of greener neighborhoods don’t reap the health benefits.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Morganton
San Joaquin County
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.