San Francisco International Airport Interior, SkyTerrace Observation Deck USA, Architecture Images

SF International Airport Passenger Experience

May 22, 2020

SFO International Terminal Building Passenger Experience

Design: Woods Bagot Architects / Tsao Design Group

Two food courts and new outdoor observation deck

Location: San Francisco, California, USA

Woods Bagot Improves Passenger Experience at SFO’s International Terminal Building

Woods Bagot has implemented guest improvements throughout the two main food courts at SFO’s International Terminal Building, and created one of the first outdoor observation decks in the country. The upgrades were prompted by REACH (Revenue Enhancement And Customer Hospitality), SFO’s initiative to become a world-renowned facility and a premium gateway to the West.

Woods Bagot is also a key member of the team renovating Harvey Milk Terminal 1. The firm also created the SkyTerrace Observation Deck at Terminal 2.

Photos by Emily Hagopian

FOOD COURTS

The primary design goal was to create a soothing, functional passenger experience. To alleviate the stress of air travel, the designers merged principles of hospitality design with the functional requirements of an airport to create a place where guests truly come first.

A variety of environments caters to the wide range of traveler types – tourists and business travelers, solo travelers and families, people who want to read, or make private calls, or relax with friends. The overall mood is clean, contemporary, and bathed in natural light.

New booths, banquettes, and community tables are in a color palette reflective of the natural landscape of the Bay Area. Small nooks are clad in silvery fish scale tiles which are locally sourced and made of recycled content. Wood and steel community tables allow larger groups to spread out, and individuals to plug in. Solid surfaces form clever geometric shapes that anchor the space.

Wood panels with brass trim, intimate lighting integrated into the tables and low planters define the lounge areas along the concourse. Seating options include the beloved SFO egg chair, accompanied by its egg table, and the low back swan chair. These multiple sizes allow travellers to customize their own groupings or seating style.

OBSERVATION DECK

Rare among airports is the outdoor observation deck: a place for harried travellers to watch the planes come and go over the water. This inside/outside environment is distinctively Californian, as are the planters hosting a colorful selection of cacti and succulents.

Customized sculptures from well-known artists add to the visual excitement. The ample chairs, tables and chaise lounges are finished in natural wood slats, another nod to the local landscape.

Area: 28,000 sf
Client: San Francisco International Airport

Interior Design: Woods Bagot / Tsao Design Group
Structural Engineer: OLMM
MEP Engineer: Meyers +
Landscape Architect: Surface Design
Lighting Design: JS Nolan & Associates
Wayfinding: Keilani Tom Design Associates

Photographer: Emily Hagopian

Airports

Woods Bagot Architects

San Francisco International Airport Passenger Experience images / information received from Architects Woods Bagot

Location: San Francisco, California, USA

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