Passenger Experience Central to Clark International Airport Design

Global architecture firm, Populous, has brought its world-leading aviation and experience design to a new passenger terminal building in Pampanga, Philippines.

Located in the Central Luzon region, Clark International Airport is currently being developed by Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp (LIPAD), who will also become the operators of the airport for the next 25 years.

Populous has been engaged as the lead interior and retail planning designer for the 100,000m2 airport.

Populous Senior Principal, Brett Wightman, said by working thoughtfully with the facility operators, end users and key stakeholders, Populous has designed an innovative solution for Clark International Airport that is functional, experiential and authentic.

“Passenger experience was at the heart of the airport’s re-design and by drawing inspiration from the natural scenery we created a strong sense of place, influenced by the cultural heritage from the province in which the airport is located,” Wightman said.

“We avoided the neutral, beige palette of many airports around the world and selected a material palette with a vibrant colour and energy as reflected by the local people.

“There are areas for exhibitions by local artists and flexible event spaces providing a fresh new experience each time passengers fly in and out.

The event space has become the central focus of the building and features lanterns suspended from the ceiling.

“The artwork has been created by the local community and acts as a visual beacon which can be seen from almost anywhere in the departures area, drawing passengers through the retail space and creating a stimulating place to linger,” Wightman said.

Longevity was also crucial to the design, with the facility flexible enough to adapt to changes in retail, hospitality and security needs throughout LIPAD’s concession to operate the airport.

“Well-planned processing facilities will limit queuing time and intuitive circulation will make it easier to navigate through the terminal.

“The pre-COVID plan has had several tweaks to include new design solutions for the increased health and safety of international and domestic travellers.

“The successful integration of the many visible and behind-the-scenes systems that impact airlines, operators, vendors and regulatory agencies, has created an airport that provides a positive passenger travel experience and a distinct spirit of place,” Wightman said.

Clark International Airport is set to open in January 2021 and will meet global standards in terms of operations, creating an airport the region can be proud of with increased health and safety measures for travellers in a post-COVID world.