The redesigned and freshly built portion of Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport is a very, very, very large improvement from the facility it is replacing. No real surprise there, given that the old structure was designed to operate in a different era, with very different needs around access to the gates, airplane size, passenger loads, traffic, and many other factors. But all those problems didn’t guarantee that the new design would be a good one. That still took a lot of work and consideration of myriad factors.
Fortunately, we can now listen to architect Peter Ruggiero, the design principal on the project, explain some of the many considerations and decision points that went in to the effort.
Big, open spaces are great; that’s not a particularly surprising bit of information. But Ruggiero explains why we feel that way and how the new terminal (and other modern designs) help evoke those feelings.
Things like larger windows are great for natural light, but also serve an important role in reducing passenger confusion and stress. At the new LGA Terminal B the post-security views onto the ramp are not just for the people who love to look at planes. They’re a part of the airport’s wayfinding system, but without signs.
The true benefit of seeing the apron and where the planes are located and the concourses is that you can already see your destination. It puts your mind at ease, helps eliminate the unknown.
The video is well worth a watch to understand why curves matter more in the design and how window placement can reduce wayfinding points.
Alas, no commentary in the piece on the abomination that is the new LGA AirTrain concept.
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Ha, ha, ha. “The true benefit of seeing the apron and where the planes are located and the concourses is that you can already see your destination. It puts your mind at ease, helps eliminate the unknown.” What consultant dreamt up that complete pile of steaming crap? OMG, so ridiculous. There is no design imaginable that wouldn’t be an improvement on the current LGA airport; high profile architects are insufferable.