Turning Gateways into Destinations: Crafting Place and Purpose in Airports

The Airport of today is no longer just a place to wait; they are civic gateways, the first brushstroke in a visitor’s impression of a place.

As we approach airport design, our focus shifts beyond efficient navigation. Instead, we aim to cultivate a “sense of place” — an identity woven from the very fabric of the surrounding community. This evolution signals an opportunity to design airports that embody the spirit, culture, and aspirations of their regions. In doing so, we turn transient spaces into destinations that invite travellers to linger, connect, and, most importantly, experience a lasting bond with a place.

Beyond Functionality

Traditionally, airports are functional, facilitating the swift movement of passengers. But what if we imagined airports as sites of enjoyment, calm, and even inspiration? With careful design, airports can offer a reprieve from the stress of travel. Here, design is not just about navigation but about creating spaces that invite travellers to slow down, take a breath, and engage with their surroundings. Whether through striking design, regional materials, or local art, airport terminals become an immersive part of the journey, echoing the natural rhythms of the area they represent.

A Place that Makes Sense

For a sense of place to resonate, it must first be an intuitive space where passengers feel at ease. Thoughtful layout, tactile materials, and ambient lighting foster a natural flow and help create environments where travellers navigate with instinct rather than instruction. This seamless experience not only reduces travel anxiety but also allows travellers to appreciate the details of the design — the unique elements that say, “You are here.”

The Impact of Design

When executed thoughtfully, design can enhance the emotional experience of travel, transforming the terminal from a functional layover to an enjoyable encounter. Some airports create this connection with a subtle touch — a glimpse of local flora or a whisper of regional architecture; others embrace boldness, using signature materials and grand forms to announce the spirit of a city.

At Western Sydney International Airport, our concept design sought to create a space that is a landmark of connection for the Western Parkland City, the terminal embodies the distinct ecology of the Cumberland Plain, integrating textures, colours, and forms inspired by the local bushland and nearby Blue Mountains. Here, local context isn’t a backdrop but the design’s essence, inviting passengers to feel the region’s natural beauty and history as they travel through.

Newcastle Airport uses structural forms and a palette inspired by the vibrancy of Newcastle and its surrounds, the terminal offers a cohesive narrative, shaped by consultation with the Worimi and Awabakal people. This consultation informed not just aesthetic choices but a deeper story woven into the design, establishing a place that residents recognize and respect — and one that visitors find memorable.

Our approach to “sense of place” is critical in any transport project, extending beyond airports into projects like Victoria Cross Station, where design integrates seamlessly with North Sydney’s historic grid. At its entrances, the station reflects its North Sydney context, evoking the area’s architectural lineage and bringing a sense of connection to its urban environment. Such contextual sensitivity roots architecture in its surroundings, grounding travellers in a deeper, more meaningful experience.