The Secret to Good Airport Design: Aesthetic vs Efficiency | Architectural Digest

[@Itsbennyfuchs]

Mr Wyetzner is the David Attenborough of Architecture, I could listen to him forever. More of this content please AD. Love it!

[@queensmum]

Yessssss exactly!!

[@bobmald13]

I fly ATL most of the time, most of my life. I have probably been delayed less than 5% and that's with regular southern thunderstorms. Tarmac delays, maybe twice in 40 years. (Tarmac delays are the WORST delays because you are stuck in your seat and sometimes can't go to the bathroom. Often the AC isn't strong enough to keep the plane cool.) We are regularly delayed at JFK, Dulles, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, LAX. LaGuardia I have never NOT been delayed. Just getting the plane to the takeoff position takes 45 minutes. The wait in line for takeoff in ATL is also the fasted of them all. I'll take the ATL efficiency any day of the week. But I do love the TWA hotel and the history it evokes.

[@teacherjoe7019]

I live in South Florida and I love changing planes in Atlanta when I don't have a direct flight to my final destination. It is so efficient! I never have understood how some people avoid changing planes in Atlanta and spend their layovers in less comfortable airports with less amenities.

[@filanfyretracker]

The problem is NYC area has three airports that are all extremely busy and all have no room to expand. 143,934,065 is the passenger count for all three in 2023, The only way I could see the NYC area upping its efficiency is taking a very large portion of Staten Island and turning it into a single gigantic airport. Connecting it to Amtrak, NJ Transit, NYC Subway and the NJ Turnpike.

[@MrBaburgess10]

ATL’s efficiency is what makes it so beautiful. There is no doubt that, even with its upgrades, it is not an aesthetically pleasing complex. But it is hard not to marvel at the sheer volume of people, baggage, and airplanes traveling through that airport at all hours. I know most love to hate it, but it will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@russdigity7631]

Architec vs Engineer lol

[@larrybremer4930]

As a business traveler I want IN and OUT and somewhere to maybe get some snacks, a book, or a meal. I am not going to buy a designer suit, or luggage, or lingerie (for wife). In that regard I appreciate ATL. Even though PHX is built on a similar concept its and airport I despise because that 45 minute walk to change planes is common there and the only way between terminals is a walkway conveyer speedway. They really need a train. And don't even get me started on LAX or JFK.

[@markleavitt4477]

Anyone who is designing an airport, MUST study ATL. Everything about it is pure logic...except one thing. They named the first concourse "T" (for terminal), then it goes A, B, C, D, E. This always confuses first-timers.

[@davidalbeck811]

Kona, Hawaii. It feels like half the space is outdoors, which is marvellous. You're in paradise within seconds of steppping off the plane.

[@hpfend]

Huatulco in Mexico is another one like that. very cool airport.

[@radicallyrethinkingrailwaysina]

Yes enjoyed kona

Madinah airport in Saudi Arabia also feels like much of that space is outside.

[@B-rian937]

Honestly, I'm one of those weirdos that LOVE every aspect of traveling by plane. I could spend hours sitting and watching the goings on outside the terminal as well as people watching inside. Saarinen very much embodied my excitement and love of the total experience of flying.

[@Spaceboii-23]

Same

[@laliendre87]

I like airports too! I don't know why, they just feel great!!!

[@annabethwivell327]

Me too! In just about any airport, there’s so much to see, whether you want to window shop or people-watch or plane-spot. Or I can just relax at the gate with a snack and enjoy my books or electronic devices and just chill out. I’m secretly excited when I get a longish layover at an interesting airport (as long as it isn’t too ridiculous, like overnight).

[@ElinaBenado]

@@annabethwivell327 I've been known to drag my family to different airports just for the experience! IAD and MCO have been two of my favorite destinations (in the US). There's just something so exhilarating about the buzz of seeing people and planes converge...And if the architecture is stunning, that heightens the experience even more!

[@zxc00]

Once i took a flight with a 10 hour layover just to hanghout at the airport 😂😅

[@wind-flower]

Barajas in Spain is the airport that has stuck in my mind the most. I've only been there once but every once in a while I will randomly remember the shapes and the slow gradient on the inside of the roof

[@hpfend]

definitely a nice airport. but only T4. flew in july to Terminal 1, which was quite underwhelming and taxi times are eternal to that terminal.

[@bluesnail310]

I enjoy spending time at the airport before takeoff. It gets me in the travel mood and mindset. My favorite airport is Singapore Changi and the Jewel. Absolutely love the art and living plants throughout. My least favorite is Seattle unless you're flying International.

[@andrewzheng4038]

My opinion of Seattle is the opposite lmao. I actually really like Seattle’s domestic experience but the international terminal might as well be Mordor with the terrible food options and nonexistent shops and other things to distract yourself with while waiting

[@hassanabdulaziz7275]

The carpet at Changi does make it better to experience for sure

[@EAMayne-pp4sr]

PDX in Oregon!!! The latest remodel is absolutely amazing and incredible - you have to see it to believe you're actually in an airport -- a total experience -- looks and smells like the PNW! And they're not done... working on another phase and I want to see that when it's completed!!

[@YeahRightWm3]

Detroit Airport-McNamara Terminal. Simple, beautiful, and efficient. Also, plenty of natural light! Edit: I am no architect but the way they design McNamara is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing, IMO. I always enjoy going back to Michigan because of the airport. The Sky Lounge is amazing as well!

[@mrklv1593]

Do you seriously think that they can compete with China?😆 Cmon, the ugliest metro station in China looks far better than the most futuristic american airport

[@lanenorvell]

you tried to sneak detroit into in architecture conversation 😂

[@GreatLakesDrifta]

Agreed, it’s a very visually appealing terminal, probably one of the best in North America. Detroit is underrated for architecture, as mentioned in the video, Saarinen designed the GM tech center and a couple other sites like Cranbrook. Also can’t forget Albert Kahn. And the beautiful art deco buildings downtown.

[@n_v9386]

and the best fountain ever

[@FameyFamous]

McNamara concourse A is a mile long! That starfish design would be better!!

[@SM-fz3et]

I'd love to see more videos on transportation and infrastructure like this one! Even more on other airports, since TWA isn't a working terminal anymore.

[@caddyak93]

It is a working hotel, though! Worth a visit if you fly through JFK

[@MDonovan]

Singapore Changi Airport is impressive too

[@axan50transportproductions]

Hamad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hong Kong, Tokyo HND, Incheon among others as well.

[@Dayvit78]

Sure if you like spiders in your bags.

[@axan50transportproductions]

@@Dayvit78 in singapore changi? whats the reference

[@lelo9923]

yeah I don't understand how you can make a video on airport architecture and now even mention Changi????

[@Starsword1989]

​@@lelo9923 as much as Singapore airport is amazing, it isn't very useful as an example in this discussion. The video is using two extreme examples of aesthetics vs efficiency in building design. Singapore airport is somewhere in the middle, and it's an incredible airport because of it's systems design, automation, additional features, etc. It's architectural design isn't particularly unique as compared to other airports. Whereas the airports mentioned here would perfectly showcase the points made in the video.

[@barbmundell8147]

I stayed at the TWA hotel last year and it was amazing - stepping back in time - I loved it - I’m so glad that it wasn’t torn down during the ‘we don’t care about the past’ 1970’s

[@richardchen5180]

The downside to the satellite concept is there's only one security checkpoint for all terminals, which is why security lines for DEN and ATL are super long compared to other airports.

[@x--.]

Thank you! I'm saying... the security experience at DEN and ATL is just some dark version of waiting in line. Shouting, shuffling, uncomfortable, unclear, confusing, and just so slow.

[@stephenspackman5573]

This is a design error! You can have satellite-style check-in, too. No need for a single bottleneck (unless making passengers miserable is your plan, as TSA seems to like it :-} ).

[@raphaelwong304]

KLIA in Malaysia has a satellite terminal. There's a small security checkpoint in the main terminal but it's very efficient because they only scan the bags. Then there's the full security checkpoint at every gate in both main and satellite terminal

[@KDawg-mt3we]

@@x--.DEN is awful. So confusing. ATL is great. You just need to spring for Clear. I lived in Atlanta over 20 years and was in and out of that airport countless times. Clear really makes it a breeze. I now live in NYC. LaGuardia is simple too, but JFK is a pain.

[@agentfiveseven7270]

Atl, at least for the precheck side has plenty of machine capacity, but the usually have less than half the machines on due to a lack of employees

[@eddiewhistler7472]

I love airports. I'd go just to stroll around them if it weren't for security. What's bad is how awful the customer service is by airlines. Mainly the stress of showing up with a purchased ticket and not really knowing if you'll make your flight due to lines and overselling, etc.

[@saikoloji]

“You don’t linger and look at the architecture” I do. I know a few other people who do too.

[@nukingjapanwasok6265]

I recently went through LaGuardia Terminal B and it was great. Spacious, clean, simple, not busy.

[@bradkoerner1]

Excellent video! One thing to add: Many airports around the world are becoming heavily focused on retail. Some feel more like shopping malls that they happen to park planes at. It becomes a bit obnoxious, really - many airports are now purposefully creating labyrinthine mazes of retail (especially duty-free shops) that you have to navigate through before you can find the gate.

[@KM-nw7be]

I agree! Trying to battle my way through the folks hanging at the bars & restaurants as I try to make my connection!

[@jamesquivey1538]

Three of the largest airports in the US have the same design issues, which make them a nightmare for travelers and airlines: Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA). Runways along the property perimeters and gates stretching around the core which contain parking, ticketing and baggage. They need to adopt the Atlanta concept by moving the parking and terminal functions off the airport property, freeing up land for planes and passenger gates. Build the linear passenger structures like Atlanta, but with enhanced esthetics, connecting them by trains the travel over the building rooftops, with bridges spanning over taxiways and eventually reach the terminal. Provide bold, clear graphics that don't require understanding English to guide the passengers to their various destinations (Using letters A,B,C,D,E,F and colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple). Keep it simple while making it attractive and inviting. Make the airport experience as exciting an adventure as the traveling itself!

[@x--.]

Oh gosh, you like Atlanta's airport? Really? Felt like around every corner was a chokepoint. That said LAX is moving toward exactly what you describe, hopefully they do a better job than Atlanta did because I dislike flying in there so much. Rather a dentist appointment than a flight to ATL

[@laurabowles]

Incidentally, LAX and MIA are two airports I avoid whenever possible.

[@zilnagrom]

Love hearing Michael's take on anything but especially airports and the different concepts! Side note, he did not have to roast ATL's lack of aesthetics like that, but at the same time I completely agree lol

[@sollewittit]

They put that light up rain cover over the terminal parkways.... But yeah, she's not winning any beauty contests.

[@JuanWayTrips]

This guy clearly has had one too many layovers in ATL and is taking it personally 🤣🤣

[@darkcity925]

These are so much better than those Wired let-me-ask-Twitter-what-would-take-2-seconds-to-Google videos

[@NJ-Cathie]

I like Denver. The roof which has received a lot of criticism is actually quite cool.

[@elliottgetz8782]

it does function well: i'll agree!! still not sure what those weird scenes are trying to be in the pit/to the subways.. looks like a dry fountain?... I dunno---cheap looking, whatever the attempt..

[@x--.]

Seriously, do you have a magic pass that lets you get through security in under 1 hour? Because, please share the magic. I really dislike Denver other than the fact you can quickly catch a train to escape the airport.

[@NJ-Cathie]

@@x--. just arrive at 5 am.

[@Spaceboii-23]

Yes, the ceilings at the check in are very creative, and after you get off the train, you enter a VERY spacious concourse. I do feel that Denver airport is underrated.

[@x--.]

@@Spaceboii-23 yes, the TSA granting you so much time to gaze at the ceiling while you wait in line is so kind. True heroes of aviation architecture.

[@robertkosko1317]

SLC & PDX are USA airport game-changers… Beautiful Airports.

[@cocoboy5233]

11:34 had me concerned for a second 😅

[@megalocoman]

It was at minute 11, it wasn't a coincidence 😂

[@seansley]

Singapore's Changi Airport has long been my favourite in the world, it's incredible,

[@patrickbaskin8125]

Love the Daxing model!! Live in NYC and while the airports are upgraded and more modern now they’re almost worse than before because it takes so much longer through shopping areas to get to the gate (LGA in particular). Wish more design thought went into passenger experience vs maximizing passenger revenue

[@ReasonQuest]

The new main terminal at PDX is beautiful! Take a look at Portland International.

[@lehoangnhan1492]

new Portland international Airport in Oregon is beautiful too

[@anguianoalan100]

No it’s not it’s ugly af down to it’s carpets

[@divaldoenzo4742]

Porto (Portugal) airport is a great example of a masterfully done airport.

[@shnorakalyutsun]

My mind went in a completely different direction @11:34

[@alibekex]

Dalaman Airport in Turkey has this place in the arrivals area where raw grey concrete walls are contrasted by green plants, giving post-apocalyptic vibe where humans are gone and the nature is taking over. The whole complex on the outside also gives this feeling.

[@ankurito3746]

Schiphol is my favourite airport/ train station. You can even book a time slot to go through security!

[@Anonymous-nt7lm]

Yamasakis groined vaults at STL Lambert came years before TWA. It could be argued Yamasakis jet age design had an even greater impact than TWA, influencing the overall design approach of Saarinen in TWA + Dulles and many other subsequent airports

[@kazuwilliams5222]

I love airports. One of my favorites is Kansai (KIX) and was thrilled to see it mentioned. Now, I have to make a side trip to Beijing Daxing International Airport.

[@dwarasamudra8889]

I honestly do not like the aesthetics of Daxing too much. It looks very cold in terms of mood. I dont know how efficient they are but my favourite airports in terms of aesthetics are Singapore's Changi and Bengaluru's Kempegowda T2; they both are very green and have a lot of light, making them very pleasing to the eye, although they dont use the same concept of curves prescribed here.

[@airporting_with_dominik]

Arriving in the middle of the night by car to Mumbai Airport is an experience. It has stunning architecture. I have never been so impressed by any other terminal than that. Gorgeous white slopes hold an immense roof.

[@nicholby2112]

I used to use TWA terminal at JFK a lot. The one thing that I hated about it was that there were no ramps. One has (had) to lug suitcases up the stairs. Even the dining area was up a long set of stairs. It's like Saarinen didn't think it through enough to consider all of us with luggage. After a few times I tried to book flights that didn't use that terminal.

[@william_at]

Excellent video, thank you. I missed mentioned Tempelhof (Berlin), designed in 1936 by Ernst Sagiebel, "The mother of all airports" according to Norman Foster

[@jaarneal]

The best view at ATL is finding a window near the ends of one of the concourses, and watching planes take off or land continuously, often twice per minute. In that way, efficiency ends up being its own aesthetic.

[@mono2go]

A lot of new Chinese airports seem to follow this philosophy. Another i went through recently was Kunming. For the US, I do like SFO with the landside arranged in a ring with piers attached to it radiating out.

[@medviation]

Satellite configuration is actually fine for hub airports where passengers stay inside the terminal to wait for their connecting. It's a very efficient use of land. Daxing airport's configuration creates lots of awkward triangular areas on the apron.

[@flyingdaytrader]

Salt Lake's remodel has done a great job combining efficiency and beauty I think.

[@leardvr]

CAK is my favorite. Curb to gate in 5 minutes. That includes TSA. There’s a lot to be said for small and efficient. Of course anywhere I want to go I have to connect. But it’s worth it.

[@AdélaVlčková12]

Balancing aesthetics with efficiency is crucial for enhancing the traveler experience. I’d love to see more examples of airports that manage to do both well!!

[@elieeisenberg4556]

AD... I love this guy! More videos with him!

[@RetNemmoc555]

My favorite airports are the small regional ones. Some can be aesthetically pleasing, like Santa Barbara, but they're mostly convenient and calm compared to monstrosities like DFW.

[@mancinidesignbuild]

My experience at SB in 1988 involved getting off the plane outside, then down the portable steps and onto the tarmac, and then a short walk into the terminal. I'm not sure if it's the same now. It did feel like a calm space, like a bus stop in a small town.

[@Spaceboii-23]

They have jet bridges now

[@mdomen]

I’ll be sure to come back to this video once I open my own airport. 😊😂

[@SkiDaBird]

I love the toaster racks, definetly the superior design for connecting passengers. Salt Lake seems to have struck a nice balance of adding unique architectural elements without compromising efficiency.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Our local airport has won top customer reviews often: the rather humble Indianapolis International Airport. It has the arching exterior of JFK, the large expanses of glass of Beijing, attractive suspended artwork, and excellent efficiency.

[@TehStormOG]

Dulles is a great balance of efficiency and beauty

[@mono2go]

But then you get to United concourse...

[@marklerfald]

Thank you for sharing your perspective on spaces that I tend to rush through without appreciating the design intent. I will be more aware and appreciative in the future.

[@benjaminniemczyk]

TWA Hotel is a MUST SEE for any person who has time to fill at JFK. Hop on the train and head over to terminal 5. One of the great sites in NYC.

[@Hummerbird99]

Never been in it as a hotel yet but as a kid I was in the terminal.

[@seattletuttle]

Least favorite is definitely Miami due to its terrible design. It takes a deceptively long time to get around and the new tram is so confusing, you're better off walking. My favorite is yet to be discovered.

[@danielle2661]

Miami airport is THE WORST!

[@ashr755]

You need to go back to ATL… they’ve added tons more natural light in each of the concourses, and the new international terminal is stunning.

[@elmow5000]

My favorite airport is SLC Salt Lake City airport. The terminal is so beautiful for an American airport.

[@MattWeser]

Yes, although for non-Delta flights, be prepared for a LOT of walking.

[@Spaceboii-23]

​@@MattWeserI think they are building a train system between A and B in the near future

[@MattWeser]

@@Spaceboii-23 That'd be nice, although I feel every airport on planet Earth has a "planned rail expansion coming soon!"

[@MattWeser]

@@Spaceboii-23 I certainly don't mind walking tbh, and it's a nice view of the mountains outside the window.

[@erik_griswold]

@@Spaceboii-23Yup, the new terminal at SLC isn’t finished yet.

[@philporterofficial]

Yes, he is articulate, creative and charming!

[@javimad]

Thank you for mentioning Madrid airport! It’s truly amazing!

[@sylvair]

Changi Singapore is a striking example of form and function, i.e. esthetics and efficiencies.

[@willneblett]

Newark Terminal A was very nice. Met the criteria of efficiency and aesthetics.

[@jcoates53]

I was opening the best airport of all time, Berlin Tegel was going to make the cut. It was where you literally drove to your gate. I miss you, the bus station of airports.

[@moabfool]

I only have one real problem with ATL, the way the gates are numbered. The first time I flew through ATL I got off of my regional flight, walked up the jetway to the concourse, and started walking towards the smaller numbered gates. I got to gate 1 and I was greeted by a wall. I was at the end of the concourse, not the middle where the train and underground walkway are located. And I wasn't alone. There were several other passengers that got to that point and did a double take. I'm no airport designer, but if it were mine to do I'd have odd numbers gates on one half and even numbered gates on the other half, just so the smaller numbers are at the center where connections are made. Yes, there are signs indicating the direction to the other terminals, but that's just more information that may not be instantly processed. Instant processing is vital to people with experience in large cities that don't want to hold up traffic while they're trying to decipher a sign. Also, as the airport has aged, it seems more claustrophobic than newer construction. I personally couldn't care less about a grand architectural statement. Just give me space to walk and sit, windows to watch the planes that don't bake me in the sun, and some decent food options and I'll be happy.

[@sireuchre]

The thumbnail's 'efficient' is not that at all to the humans that are going between connecting flights, while the 'aesthetic' one would be much better suited for it. So, the 'efficient' one is so for planes, while the 'aesthetic' one is efficient for humans. An aesthetic value can be conveyed by much finer details that are more directly and constantly in contact with the humans that actual perceive them.

[@pyhead9916]

They build a model on a scaled 4 ft x 4 ft grid. Then they measured the distances up to the shell at each point on the grid and gave that distance to the contractor. Then they refined the curves using European cabinet makers to build the concrete form board by board.

[@avsystem3142]

Do architects design airports or just the terminal buildings?

[@TorontosTerrestrialReefs]

Both! Edit for context: It depends on the firm but typically a team will design certain aspects of the airport-with consultants for specific purposes. Like one firm might be the “project architect and design design architect” for the over all project but you might have a smaller firm tackle the food court if that is their area of expertise

[@cityfans5723]

The airport that most people think of (terminals/concourses/gates) is designed by an architect. The rest of the airfield (runways/taxiways/aprons) is designed by civil engineers.

[@thunderdemonlover]

Really Educated For Architect 😊❤thanks

[@piscesgroovesupreme]

I'm absolutely floored that Changqi didn't get at least a shoutout amongst the most striking and pleasing airports to be in.

[@timbaugh4034]

I hate going to DFW because you have to rush to your gate, and the airport is getting really crowded. Phoenix Sky Harbour is pretty nice. .

[@adiakiyes6354]

TWA terminal reminds me of the movie. Catch me if you can by Leonardo de Carpio, so it's an amazing picturesque terminal.

[@Harmonikdiskorde]

Oh, that's clever. Each character of 大兴 also looks radial.

[@jamesau4296]

Talk about exotic design, I would found Dubai airport terminal 3 and San Francisco airport international terminal interesting for addressing land constraints. Dubai airport choose to bury their terminal underground which construction cost aside, make passengers need to wait for elevator(Although they build a lot and bigger). San Francisco chose to build their new terminal above their entrance highway but both sides get separated (that’s isn’t a problem if you’re departing or arriving bound passengers). But most other else would chose to relocate their airport elsewhere instead where space availability isn’t a concern.

[@GCarnell]

As usual, you’ve provided us with an amazing presentation. Was also hoping to get your opinion on Changi!

[@bbmikej]

With Daxing, it has fewer than 80 gates whereas ATL has over 170. Along with that, you didn't show any of the upgrades that ATL has been going through. While there used to be few windows, they are replacing most of the exterior walls in the gate areas with windows and increasing the height of them to let light in.

[@dawuid1491]

That's not the point. The point of the video is to demonstrate airport design philosphys and their central themes.

[@bbmikej]

@@dawuid1491 I think it's disingenuous to mention an airport as a dark, utilitarian place without mentioning refurbishments which are improving the customer experience.

[@seanthe100]

ATL has 192

[@composimple364]

Don’t forget Beijing has 2 major international airports while Atlanta only has ATL.

[@seanthe100]

@@composimple364 Beijing also has 26 million while ATL is only 7 million but still the busiest in the world since 98

[@burnitdownLP]

Daxing sure is thouhgt through and aesthetically pleasing, but is it future-oriented? ATL didn't start out with 100 million passengers per year, it grew over time. And whenever it reached capacity they would add another satellite. How do you increase capacity at something like Daxing? By lengthening the piers? Poor Zaha would spin in her grave. And while the TWA Terminal was a start, it isn't the reason JFK handles over 60 million passengers per year nowadays. Yes, we spend a lot of time at airports, so a practical airport design is worth striving for. At the same time, think about rising capacity (Air travel is an ever growing market, especially in Asia) or you'll end up with a mix of beatiful and boring.

[@Mike-ou8pd]

They can build an addition Terminal on the Southern end of Daxing, as well as additional gates on the eastern side of the airport. Beijing also still uses Capital International Airport. Hartsfield has an additional 40 gates planned over the next 2 decades on the land they already own so Expansion will be easy for a bit. After that My guess is expansion will happen with an additional Airport in the Northern part of the city.

I would definitely include an honorable mention for Doha and Changi airports.

[@ccrp4788]

Please do a Similar Video on Terminal 2 of Bengaluru(Bangalore) Airport in India

[@zschudrowitz155]

“It couldn’t be more mundane if it tried”. Lol!

[@JustinKoning]

Thanks for the super interesting topic and as usual very well explained by this architect! We really like his videos. Munich is functional and pleasant, though could be more inspiring. London Heathrow T2 is also nice. Singapore strikes out for greenery and colour scheme, while functional Paro in Bhutan valorizes loval architecture

[@snarepusher]

There's even a fourth dimension: The airport and it's workers in itself. A big airport is basically a city in itself with all the infrastructure for that plus all the service and repair stuff for the operations. And usually as a passenger you don't even notice that. I wonder if the cost for that is the quality for the employees if it's all hidden away somewhere

[@chemicalfrankie1030]

pls more ot these videos they are exeptional

[@tommclain3335]

One advantage of flying into atlanta a few times is you will be able to say "The Next Stop is for the D Gates, D as in David" in several languages.

[@sadisadi2075]

Zaha hadid is the best architect in the 21st century ❤

[@bobk3881]

I never wondered that there was three levels of the airport, one for the people boarding and then the baggage floor been usually the lowest floor. This makes so much sense with the airport near me called the Toronto Pearson Airport.

[@timp.6127]

It is true that any design is ultimately a trade-off. One major downside of a beautiful airport like Daxing is, well, its huge price tag and eventually every passenger has to share. Overall I hate gigantic airports and would always choose a smaller airport if there is no huge difference in prices.

[@leojin5838]

Daxing is very efficient as well. If you stand where you are after security check, ALL gates are within 10 minutes of walking. This makes the airport not need a troublesome APM train system while not compromising the size.

[@dawuid1491]

He said its very efficient as well, as well.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

I just knew the TWA Flight Centre was going to be "the one" that changed things for Airports. Its a stunning building.

[@tekn76]

The shade thrown at ATL lol

[@nzmcmt]

The best airports that I have experienced are: Copenhagen and Toronto Pearson. Mostly because how little time it takes to leave, once you arrive 😀

[@LaT00pe]

Tegel airport in Berlin is HANDS DOWN the best airport I've ever seen. Simple, efficient, in and out in 7 minutes. Airports have become commercial centers and Tegel propves that there's no need for that.

[@AniketChaudhary_]

you should review Bangalore's Airport terminal 2

[@digleyshop]

Long Beach airport is my favorite

[@daddouuuu]

Paris Charles de Gaulle T2 for me is gorgeous and efficient. Especially 2F and 2E

[@persjofors2586]

I am probably one of the very few who use the TWA terminal at JFK to board a TWA flight. Amazing experience, amazing building. I flew a TWA DC 9 to somewhere in the middle of the country and we landed in a thunderstorm. Not something to recommend.

[@richardg8651]

The TWA terminal is beautiful example of an award winning structure that is all about the aesthetic and very little about efficiency. Impractical since the day it opened.

[@ddc163264]

DIA(Denver) has a very similar layout to ATL (Hartsfield) But they made it so that terminal A can be walked to and not just reached by train. But I would say that the main terminal is much better looking. The interior is getting a refurb as well.

[@keetonkatt4621]

Actually, the first row of gates at ATL are connected directly to the terminal (no train needed), which is how that concourse gets its "T" name. When ATL first opened, that nearside concourse was for the international gates. As Atlanta's international presence grew, they built a separate satellite concourse ("E") for international and later added another whole terminal and concourse ("F") for international traffic. The north end of the "T" concourse is now used by American and United, which only have a small footprint at ATL while DL uses the south end "T" gates for some high traffic domestic routes (NYC and Chicago are frequently out of "T").

[@unpluggedlamp1]

Don't forget Denver International!

[@arandomhandsomeman7725]

Even though its ugly the most efficient airport i used was Heathrow airport in london. The most beautiful that i see was middle east airports. Qatar and Bahrain

[@James-mh4nn]

Really interesting design!!

[@sawchawn]

Bengaluru T2 airport is very pretty!

[@lukef00]

I remember very well the beauty of Beijing Airport. On the opposite, seems to me, the newest trend is to use the gigantic space required to the airports as an excuse to build gigantic malls. Istanbul Airport is an example: huge, new.. but boring, with dozens of souless shops to cross in order to get the plane.

[@14vimalk]

My favourite is Mumbai Airport - it seems to have perfectly hit the sweet spot between efficiency and aesthetics (though it's only half built)

[@Spaceboii-23]

Yes I remember flyong into mumbai, the architecture is nice!