Creating a sense of place is imperative to creating a sense of community. Airports provide vital connections of goods, people, and services worldwide. It is imperative that airports be enjoyable, welcoming spaces that reflect the communities they serve.
By providing a sense of community, airport interiors become less intimidating, less uncertain, and instead become destinations where humans find connections and share the joy of their surroundings.
According to David McMillan of the American Psychological Society, “the proposed definition of a sense of community has four elements: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection.”
Successfully addressing these needs in airports can be achieved through incorporating intentional design methods. Some examples include:
- Incorporating equitable inclusivity
- Creating with a holistic viewpoint
- Collaboration with local artisans
- Integration of local materials and dialect when making material and finish selections
- Celebrating local achievements and history
Effective communities include considerations of safety, health, and environmental equity. Cohesiveness of individuals depends on these factors working together. Interior designers have the authority to transform open areas into equitable spaces with a common thread.
Creating a sense of community within the shared public space of an airport is especially challenging but essential to providing an uplifting, functional customer experience. By successfully achieving these design goals, we can positively influence not only an individual’s time in the airport but also other aspects of their lives.
