In an industry not known for its inherent sustainability, if you could start a movement that would positively influence the future of Air Travel, what would it be?  

Sharron van der Meulen: As architects, we can only control the built environment, so it will really take the airlines to push airplane manufacturers into taking the next step to reduce carbon emissions. We are beginning to see movement on this front with some manufacturers looking to release viable options by 2027.  The benefits to our collective health and the planet’s health would be significant.  This effort, along with the use of sustainable fuels would be a huge contributor in airlines meeting their own net zero targets.

Speaking of built environments, can airports really be sustainable? 

There are inherent challenges, but yes, airports can be sustainable. The first step is the ability of a design to endure and transform over time. Today’s aviation spaces need to be designed and constructed for both longevity and flexibility to cater to multiple generations of users and the evolution of the industry. With the PDX main terminal expansion, our team examined global precedents to develop a structural spacing strategy for the new roof and large roof-supporting columns that would give the new terminal a very flexible future and enable it to successfully adjust to changing needs. This means fewer new construction projects, reducing its environmental footprint from the start. 

What are some elements that can make an airport more sustainable from a design perspective?

Material choices. Wood is biodegradable, renewable, and absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows. It has a significantly lower level of carbon emissions than other building materials and using wood also improves our forest health. 100% of the glulam beams for PDX are Doug fir which was sustainably sourced from within 300 miles of the airport. All of the wood is FSC-certified or can be traced back to forests or landowners that meet the project’s inclusive sustainable sourcing criteria. The use of wood is also very important from a wellness perspective—its warmth positively influences the passenger experience and connects us to the Pacific Northwest.

Why does it feel like we’re suddenly hearing a lot about the importance of the passenger experience?   

Airports are looking to improve the passenger experience and make spaces more comfortable because unfortunately, air travel has become synonymous with stress and pressure—especially post-pandemic. If you think about traveling by airplane today and the attitude it evokes, it’s not a positive association. 50 years ago, there was a sense of pleasure when it came to travel. Airports held a certain promise of adventure and passengers were excited to fly. Designers are trying to capture what is delightful and inspiring about the idea of flight again with healthy materials and nature-based strategies, or biophilic design. This includes incorporating more natural plantings into the design and connecting to the views beyond to the airfield. The biophilic benefits of wood are well known and there is well-documented research that shows the real impact on how people react to their surroundings—including a whole range of meaningful physiological and psychological benefits: anxiety recedes, blood pressure and heart rates are lowered. These strategies contribute to mitigating passengers’ overall stress and feelings of wellbeing. 

What other innovations are you bringing to airport design and the Aviation industry? 

One of the big questions we are considering is whether we still need a ticket lobby if there are no physical tickets. In the future, this space may become a baggage drop-off that doesn’t require personal interaction. In fact, the baggage drop-off may happen offsite entirely, when you leave your home or at your immediate point of arrival at the airport. Taking baggage out of the airport would reduce its carbon footprint and free up square footage. The complex web of conveyor belts and baggage systems, once an expensive consideration for renovation or expansion, would also no longer be an issue. An airport designed for baggage requires more air-conditioned space and a more complex building organization with access to delivery methods—essentially making it more sustainable.

What else do you think the future of Air Travel holds?  

I really see an interconnectedness between the human experience and technology.  We’ll see a transition of contactless travel, from the point of transaction, bag drop, to shopping experiences. Biometric security screening will become the norm. This transition was already underway before the pandemic but will further accelerate the need to no longer present your credentials during the check-in or screening process. With technology and AI integration, passengers will have the ability to have personalized, curated experiences throughout their travels—with their needs being met along all points of service and contact.

You travel often. Can you share any recent airport experiences that have made a favorable impression on you? 

Design that reflects the community it serves. Airports are responsible for providing travelers with their first and last impressions of a city. Every design choice—the building materials, interior palette, art, music, food, art—should harmonize to transport and connect travelers to where they landed. One of the common threads between award-winning airports is a commitment to a deep sense of place and representing the community it serves.

Can you share any exciting new technologies that will improve the Air Travel experience? 

There are a couple of things that I’m excited about. One that is happening now is IoT, or the Internet of Things. This essentially allows internet connectivity across the airport and with the different stakeholders—airlines, TSA, etc.—that allows you as a passenger to both receive and send data about your preferences. This could make your travel more seamless and catered to your preferences throughout your entire experience. I’m also excited about the possibilities of short distance passenger drone travel. Imagine being in a non-piloted flight, beating the traffic and landing at an intermodal hub, and then continuing on with your flight. 

In your quest to understand of the needs of Air Travel, what have you learned that you wish more people knew about? 

Airports are sensitive ecosystems. As travelers, the way we treat others can have a ripple effect on the overall experience. Much of what I read and hear about airports doesn’t take into consideration the airport as a workplace. But it is. Airports are staffed by real people trying their best to keep us safe. The employees get up early and spend all day interacting with the public in a stressful environment. Happy employees start with a healthy work environment—fresh air, access to daylight, flexible space. We’ve tried to make PDX a place that will not only be a destination that travelers will look forward to experiencing, but also a place of work where over 10,000 people will enjoy showing up.