Upraise travel experiences through human-centered airport design

“We emphasise the passenger’s journey and experience in airport architecture, creating structure around motion through exploration.” Roberto Vila, Senior Principal, Buildings, Airports (Terminals) Sector Leader, Stantec

This interaction delves into the guiding principles that shape our airport projects, the role of technology and innovation in enhancing functionality and aesthetics, the balance between architectural beauty and operational practicality, and the sustainable strategies we employ to minimise environmental impact.

What guiding principles or design philosophies do you prioritise when conceptualising airport projects, and how do these principles shape the overall architecture?
I prioritise the movement of the passenger and their experience. I believe that transit buildings are about the journey and discovery process. It starts with the passenger arriving at the airport and then moving throughout the terminal to seek their departure gate. It’s a very fascinating process. Other factors that would define the overall architecture of the airport would be the site and its surroundings. Geometry constraints such as runway placements and aeroplane clearances affect the form and shape of our terminal building. An appropriate and comprehensive site study would allow us to provide an architectural solution to all needs.

How do you leverage technological advancements and innovation to enhance airport infrastructure’s functionality and aesthetics?
Leveraging technology during the design process and project delivery plays an important role in the life of any airport project. The use of 3D models and AI allows us to better understand our designs and anticipate intricate challenges before construction. Using parametric models allows us to define circulation patterns for passengers, helping to define seating needs in hold rooms and the overall sizing of the airport facility. Technological tools and parametric designs enable us to develop forms and details that enrich and enhance the construction process.

In your experience, how do you achieve a balance between architectural aesthetics and airports’ practical operational needs?
When you prioritise the passenger experience, you’re designing the user’s journey. You’re defining experience moments along the way, creating circulation patterns needed from the arrival hall through the departure gates that enable us to define the linear aspects of the buildings. This methodology creates a considerate approach to the building.

What sustainable design strategies do you incorporate into airport projects to minimise environmental impact and promote energy efficiency?
Sustainability is our commitment to preserving the environment with future generations in mind. As designers, our commitment should be to challenge ourselves to create spaces and buildings while mitigating negative environmental impacts. Our strategy is to take ownership and promote best practices of sustainable design where feasible socially, environmentally, and financially. We need to understand that we are in a privileged position where we shape the future of communities with our everyday decisions.

I’m very excited about our current design projects. Our team is immense, designing world-class transportation infrastructure projects essential to economic growth and vitality while meeting specific green design targets and strategies. We’re designing green roofs and photovoltaic arrays to meet high-performance thresholds in our buildings. Sustainable practices have been a key component in our industry for decades. However, we are now more conscious of the possible benefits and impacts due to the available tracking information, technology, and sustainable standards. All of that helps make our design goals more tangible and focused.

Can you discuss how human-centred design principles influence your approach to creating spaces within airports that prioritise passenger comfort, efficiency, and safety?
Human-centred design is key to the success of any airport terminal design approach or to any building. The scale of the users defines the spatial configuration and proportions of the building. In the specific case of an airport terminal, it’s important to acknowledge that carry-ons and luggage are extensions of the users, so all design aspects should also respond to these human extensions.  For example, the flooring design will respond to the wheels and friction created by carry-ons and different types of luggage.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of designing airport infrastructure, and how have you innovatively addressed these challenges in your projects?
We’re entering an era of active repairs, retrofits, and infrastructure improvements. Designers must coordinate with all stakeholders to minimise airport disruptions. Priorities include flexible design, passenger comfort, full connectivity, and enhanced amenities. Our buildings should be scalable, adaptable, and capable of handling future heavy usage.

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