REIMAGINING AIRPORTS: MITIGATING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF AIR TRAVEL

My project introduces a new area within the airport terminal designed to promote well-being and reduce the psychological stress of travel. I created spaces that encourage movement, creativity, comfort, and relaxation as part of the passenger journey. By identifying key stress points—check-in, security, and waiting areas—I positioned this zone between security and the gates to help passengers unwind and recharge before their flight.

The purpose of this study is to identify how the design of airports can lead to negative psychological effects on travellers, and how we as designers can help mitigate these effects. My objective was to educate myself on the sequence of moments a passenger experiences while moving through the airport. With thorough research I was able to pinpoint the most stressful moments in the travel experience and challenge myself to redesign these areas to better suit the passenger experience. I also wanted to discover what design concepts and factors can help improve the overall passenger experience.

Being from Massachusetts I chose Logan Airport in Boston as my site. More specifically I chose to redesign a specific area in terminal c.