The Portland International Airport (PDX) will have a new main terminal in 2025 that brings Oregon’s famous natural elements inside. Utilizing Biophilic design, the architecture firm ZGF created the new concept which introduces nature and natural elements into the interior. While many find flying a stressful activity, the new terminal design – with incorporates leafy foliage, organic shapes and colors, and natural materials – may be able to lower blood pressure and make travelers feel more at ease.
In the new terminal, there will be columns inspired by towering Douglas firs with plant life throughout the area. Living trees will shade common areas and form a mini greenway in the core of the airport The terminal’s vast timber roof, which will begin installation in 2022, is to be constructed from sustainably sourced regional wood.
“The roof design was inspired by the forests of the Pacific Northwest and the feeling you get while walking through the woods, the experience of light filtering through the trees, and the protection of the tree canopy,” explained Sharron van der Meulen, ZGF partner and lead interior designer for the project, of the terminal’s strong arboreal influence.
The new terminal’s nature-infused interiors (and earthquake-resilient structure) emphasize PDX’s big goals: promoting health, wellbeing and safety.
