Capturing the Essence of the City
To make sure we captured the essence of the city, we engaged 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.
Merging Art Deco Architecture and Native American Heritage
While designing the entry feature, our team drew inspiration from Tulsa’s rich art deco architecture—a legacy of the 1920s oil boom—and its profound Native American heritage. Based on feedback from visioning sessions, we melded these elements with the airport’s brand elements to capture an energy symbolic of the region.
The monument features layered, fan-shaped metal screens with perforations, which create a dynamic shifting pattern far from the static elements typically found at most airport entrances. Additionally, the structure’s energetic fins, curved forms, vibrant lighting and layered transparency all contribute to a sense of discovery and a welcoming arrival experience. With its bold mix of colors and materials, the design is more than just an entrance—it’s a creative statement. In the words of the airport, it’s “a gateway to the heart and soul of Tulsa.”
From Concept to Completion
A Plan to Guide the Way
We also worked closely with the airport’s stakeholders to develop a wayfinding master plan, which not only provides a practical tool for implementing a cohesive wayfinding strategy but also captures the unique voice of the airport. The strategic signage program was also inspired by the city’s art deco history, which can be seen in the custom symbols we created for the sign families. We also designed new flight information display graphics using the airport’s brand color palette.
