Designers Face Challenges with Airport Interiors

Interior design firms are creating new ideas for airport space, but the airline industry's lukewarm state might prevent them from catching on.

by Joe Cooper
Interior Design School Search Columnist

Airports have always been hubs not only for travel, but also for modern interior design. With major global airports being redesigned, some designers are rethinking the airport’s potential in terms of interior design.

Interior design plays an important role in any business, and the airline industry is no exception. Designers are creating new solutions for airport interior space, based on urban entertainment and eco-friendly environments.

New Ideas for Air Space

With new designs, airports will become more metropolitan, featuring museums and green spaces in addition to gift shops and food stands. Car showrooms are even planned for some airports, adding entertainment as well as commerce opportunities. The colors will change, becoming warmer and more earthy than the old gray standby. Rich colors will be used to accent walkways and seating areas.

One interior design firm is redesigning Beijing Airport in China, and has submitted proposals to redesign Heathrow Airport in London.

A Challenge for Modern Interior Design

It’s hard enough creating modern interior design for spaces that are regulated not only by high function but by federal standards. Designers looking to have an impact on airports must also face airline profit losses, new federal regulations, and heightened security. The CEO of American Airlines recently announced that cutting costs are the airline’s main priority. Lower operating budgets do not mean good news for any segment of air travel, least of which interior design.

Will modern interior design catch on in airports? Or will airport space reflect the struggle of the airline industry?

Sources

Design4Design
Topix

About the author

Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.

Posted on September 11, 2006

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