ICYMI: Airport Design in 2026 Prioritizes Modernization, Resilience, and Passenger Experience
As airports rethink existing terminals, designers are turning to hospitality-inspired amenities, inclusive spaces, sustainable materials, and resilient systems to improve how passengers move, wait, and travel.
The new Hollywood Burbank Airport terminal, designed by Corgan in association with CannonDesign, features streamlined passenger flows, centralized check-in, and modern design inspired by Hollywood glamour.
In this In Case You Missed It episode of the I Hear Design podcast, we revisit an article from interiors+sources that explores how airport design is evolving in 2026 as modernization takes precedence over building entirely new terminals. Today’s airport projects are balancing operational performance with a more thoughtful passenger experience, incorporating hospitality-inspired lounges and seating, improved restrooms, biophilic elements, accessibility features, and amenities for a wider range of travelers. At the same time, sustainability and resilience are reshaping everything from material selection and energy systems to the long-term performance of aviation facilities.
Listen in for a look at the design strategies transforming airports into more comfortable, inclusive, efficient, and resilient environments.
Quinn Purcell is the Managing Editor for Building Design+Construction. He is a graduate of Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and an emphasis in Multiplatform Journalism. He specializes in video, photography, copywriting, feature writing, and graphic design.
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