Airport entry features are landmarks that serve as a visual gateway to a traveler’s journey, embodying the very essence of the airport’s identity and brand. More than just signposts, they serve as a canvas for creating enduring, iconic and celebratory landmarks that resonate with passengers. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in crafting a unique sense of arrival, marking a threshold moment as travelers transition from the familiarity of home to the anticipation of their journey ahead.
“Simply put, airport entry features are a declaration of identity to the world—an invitation that encourages travelers to explore and discover all that the airport and the surrounding region has to offer.”
Conversely, when poorly conceived, an airport entry feature fails to fulfill its essential role as a welcoming gateway and can lead to a disorienting and stressful experience for passengers that detracts from the overall airport experience. In this blog post, we take a look at some signature airport entry features designed by Gresham Smith’s Experiential Design and Wayfinding group and how they enhance the overall wayfinding and the passenger experience.
An Iconic Front Door: Pensacola International Airport Entry Feature
As part of a comprehensive airport wide renovation, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) selected Gresham Smith to design a new, prominent entry feature. The project had two primary objectives. First, to effectively promote the airport’s brand, and second, to provide a clear and unmistakable marker for approaching traffic to easily identify the entrance to PNS.
The design solution transcended aesthetics alone, tackling a critical issue related to the visibility of the existing airport sign. Specifically, the previous entry feature was frequently missed by drivers. In addition to missing the entrance, there was a missed opportunity to showcase the airport’s iconic Blue Angel jet feature monument, which is located on-site. Despite its significance, this valuable asset remained largely unnoticed and underappreciated by passersby.
The new design effectively addressed this untapped opportunity by physically connecting the Navy’s Blue Angel jet feature to the new main entrance, which was situated approximately 100 yards away. This connection was established through the creation of an undulating feature wall that artfully evokes the elements of wind, water and sail-like shapes, aligning with the airport’s architectural vocabulary and evoking the unique spirit of the Gulf Coast region.
Ultimately, the distinctive design solution speaks to the local community, region and culture. It not only addresses the airport’s visibility concerns and brand identity, but also conveys a new level of service and sophistication by creating a landmark to PNS front door that sets the tone for a positive passenger experience.
Fulfilling a Dual Role: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Entry Feature
The existing entry feature at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) also faced challenges due to poor lines of sight, making it easy for drivers to miss. To enhance the overall wayfinding experience and address this issue, a two-phase exterior signage master plan and signage upgrade project was initiated.
In Phase 1, we designed a new grand gateway feature with the goal of creating a country-club-type feel, catering to the Sarasota Bradenton area, which includes a significant retirement community. The project included upgraded SRQ branded signage, which improves visibility from the roadway and provides clearer directions for drivers heading to the airport.
“The new grand gateway feature creates a resort-like feel, enhances visibility from the road and provides clearer directions for drivers heading to the airport.”
To reinforce SRQ’s brand identity, the airport logo was incorporated into both the new entry feature and the directional signage. This branding element fosters a sense of community and place, helping travelers easily recognize and associate the signage with the airport. The new gateway to SRQ fulfills a dual role—it serves as both a distinctive landmark entrance and elevates the overall aesthetic appeal of the airport’s entrance, creating an inviting and memorable passenger experience.
A Journey of Exploration: Richmond International Airport Entry Feature
The visioning process for the new Richmond International Airport (RIC) entry feature was a dynamic and flexible approach aimed at ensuring the design aligned with the client’s objectives and the unique identity of the airport. This process involved close collaboration with the client utilizing a digital whiteboard and a collage of images to gain deeper insight into the airport’s character, voice and the regional elements it wanted to showcase.
In the initial discussions with RIC as part of this visioning process, it became evident that the James River and local rock formations held significant importance for the client. These discoveries played a central role in shaping the design process. One of the concepts that emerged was “A river runs through it,” which featured a serpentine shape meandering across the approach roadway, symbolizing the flow of a river. The airport expressed a strong affinity for this concept, and it was ultimately combined with the abstract interpretation of the state’s logo to create a powerful and cohesive design solution.
“… the visioning process is about exploration with your client to understand who and what they are.”
This integrated solution not only pays homage to the historical significance of the James River but also symbolizes RIC’s broader regional importance. Positioned between Washington DC to the north, the Blue Ridge mountains to the west and the Chesapeake Bay to the east, Richmond serves as a vital gateway. As the state capital of Virginia, it draws travelers from both its eastern and western regions. By highlighting these geographic regions in the entry feature, the airport emphasizes its role in connecting the entire state through its facilities and services.
There’s No Place Like Home: Tulsa International Airport Entry Feature
The development of the entry feature for Tulsa International Airport (TUL) was characterized by a thoughtful and collaborative approach. This process began with a visioning session engaging both locals and out-of-state visitors to understand their perception of Tulsa. Locals often described the city as “warm,” “welcoming,” and “home.” In contrast, many of those who had never been to Tulsa simply described it as “unknown.” This dichotomy presented a unique opportunity to author a design that offers familiarity while creating intrigue.
The visioning process provided a foundation for integrating the various elements that are emblematic of Tulsa’s identity and character. These elements included Tulsa’s picturesque sunsets, the city’s rich Native American heritage, the ornate features reminiscent of Art Deco, and the airport’s logo symbolizing both takeoff and landing.
“The recurring theme of “Tulsa is home” served as the central guiding principle for the design of the entry feature.”
The culmination of these elements resulted in a final design that not only embraced the “Tulsa is home” theme, but also authentically captured the distinctive character of Tulsa itself. The entry feature was expressly designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, reinforcing the idea that Tulsa is a place of belonging for its travelers.
Additionally, the incorporation of perforated metals as a key design element adds a unique transparency to this entry monument. During sunset hours, this feature starts to come to life, creating a visually compelling effect that enhances the overall beauty and appeal of the entry feature. As night falls, the integration of color-changing lights takes center stage, infusing an additional layer of beauty as well as functionality as the lights pulsate to indicate the direction of the airport. This dynamic approach added both aesthetic and functional value to the entry feature, enhancing the overall experience for passengers arriving at Tulsa International Airport.
A Powerful Gateway
Ultimately, airport entry features have the power to shape perceptions, create a sense of anticipation, and leave a traveler with a lasting, positive impression. When thoughtfully designed, they become emblematic of the airport’s core identity, beckoning travelers to embark on a memorable adventure.
