Lessons for Office Designers From Cutting-Edge Airport Innovations

• Terminal Envy: Airports have gone from being depressing places with outdated carpet to one of the most exemplary executions of space planning and facility management.

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Space Planning & Workplace

Lessons for Office Designers From Cutting-Edge Airport Innovations

If office designers and managers are looking for inspiration for what the workplace of the future can and should look like, they should study modern airports. Across the U.S., major airports like LaGuardia in New York and Portland International (PDX) have undergone billion-dollar overhauls that integrate advanced energy management systems, cutting-edge design, and seamless passenger experiences. These renovations are not just about aesthetics, they're about creating environments that meet the demands of the future while significantly reducing carbon footprints.

Take Portland’s PDX as a prime example. Long known for its famous carpet, the airport recently completed a transformative upgrade under its $2 billion PDXNext project. With an eye on sustainability and flexibility, the new design incorporates locally sourced timber, expansive green spaces, and an innovative ground-source heat exchange system that could cut fossil fuel use by 95 percent. But the design choices go beyond energy efficiency—biophilic elements, natural light, and thoughtful passenger flow are central to the project. While these upgrades will certainly change the way travelers experience the airport, the lessons extend far beyond terminals and tarmacs. How can similar concepts be applied to office buildings aiming to meet the demands of hybrid work?

From cutting-edge energy solutions to a focus on occupant well-being, airports are becoming unexpected laboratories for the future of workspace design. Today’s featured article shows the wealth of insights that airports have for office owners and facilities managers looking to optimize their spaces. In a world where people demand more from their work environments—comfort, efficiency, and connection—the design and operational strategies of modern airports might just be the blueprint for the next wave of office building innovation.

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