Forests, llamas and alpacas – oh dear!
These aren’t your typical airport finds, but renovations at a U.S. airport terminal bring the outdoors indoors.
Portland International Airport (PDX) officially reopened its main terminal on Wednesday – and the $2.15 billion renovation is anything but usual.
Arriving and departing travelers are greeted inside by a growing forest, with echoes of the typical vegetation and landscape of the Pacific Northwest, including real trees and plants, as well as natural light through the wooden roof that creates the impression of a forest canopy.
According to a press release, by the time construction is complete, the new terminal will have more than 5,000 plants hanging from the ceiling and under the trees, giving the look and feel of a regional forest.
The 49 skylights also give travelers the feeling of “walking in a (Pacific Northwest) forest.” According to the airport, this also helps reduce the need for electric lighting and cuts energy consumption per square meter in half.
“Every part of the new terminal design aims to enhance travelers’ travel experience and reduce stress,” said Sharron van der Meulen, managing partner of ZGF Architects, in a statement. “Travelers are immediately greeted with expansive views of the airfield, abundant natural light and lush interior landscapes that create a sense of wonder and delight, reminiscent of a stroll through a Pacific Northwest forest.”
All of the wood used for the airport terminal comes from within a 300-mile radius of the airport, the airport’s press release states. The roof, in particular, can be sourced from 11 family-owned, nonprofit and tribal forests. These are all certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which sets standards for forest management, and practice ecological forestry.
In addition, PDX will continue to feature occasional appearances by “therapy” llamas and alpacas to enhance the outdoor experience.
“The llamas and alpacas visit PDX to soothe and delight travelers as part of the airport’s broader animal therapy program,” Allison Ferre, media manager for the Port of Portland, which operates PDX, told CNN. “They typically come a few times a month.”
The TSA experience has been enhanced to accommodate the outside world.
Two video walls at TSA checkpoints combine six Pacific Northwest-inspired landscapes and vignettes designed by local artist Ivan McClellan. The walls are synchronized with real-time data so they look different every day depending on the time of day, weather and passenger traffic.
“Throughout the project, our focus has been: How can we reflect the pride and love we all feel for the region in the new PDX?” said Curtis Robinhold, executive director of the Port of Portland, in a statement.
“And that question was the starting point for every decision. We wanted to work with small, local businesses that use local materials, fill the new PDX with local art and shops from our favorite neighborhoods… All of this was made possible by our great love for the Pacific Northwest.”
The expansion will take place in two parts, with the second and final phase beginning on Thursday, August 15, and expected to be completed in early 2026.
The second phase will also include permanent exits, meet-and-greet areas, and more shops and restaurants.
