Art and the evolution of airports as spaces for creative engagement

Art in transport environments is not a new phenomenon. It has been part of the public travel environment from the earliest days and has influenced and crossed the boundary into Architecture influencing building design as well as being integrated within in the overall design. Art has been used to perform many functions from encouraging travel, enhancing and humanising spaces providing landmarking and helping wayfinding and as political statements and public relations functions.

As the use of travel hubs has evolved and they have become increasingly integrated within urban networks the integration of art has taken on a significant role within the community interaction and sense of place. Art adds human perspective and creates restful focus points. Art can inspire, amuse, entertain and make as space more aesthetically pleasing within an airport’s operational and commercial activity.

So many of our conversations touch on creating something unique, a single or series of ‘wow’ moments, something memorable and ‘Instagramable’. There are many examples where art has been used in this context however we advocate for the consideration of a wider programme and currently we are in discussion with airports regarding the potential of integrating art programmes into terminals.

Transport hubs are transient spaces a moment between, between places, people, cultures and experiences. They are places of potential where passengers may be between reflection as well as open to new ideas. This is an idea opportunity to offer new thoughts and ideas to a person. The interaction may be momentary or immersive but a respite and a pause without the risk of missing a flight creating a moment and memory. Creating a, positive, memory is important as these last and are shared and increase loyalty and here the likelihood of a return and long visit.

Our approach to passenger environments including airport terminals must be a holistic one to create coherent spaces where all the components from passenger processes, welfare, seating, wayfinding and information, commercial branding advertising and media are balanced and optimised to ensure passenger comfort and satisfaction.

How and where pieces are placed requires care from a practical point of view but also to consider how it sits within its context. Purely place a piece within a space requires skilful understanding of form, values, scale, volume, surface, and space. However, providing a frame or mount, a ‘forth plinth’, provides an aspect of ready integration.

This is not a new idea. Schiphol airport is possibly the most referenced with its private collection as well as links with The Rijksmuseum, but also Heathrow Terminal 2 ‘Slipstream, Doha where local and regional artists display their public art around the airport, illustrations and quotes from Irish poets at Dublin airport and Seoul Incheon International Airport that features Korean Traditional Cultural Centres with exhibits, performances and interactive experiences for passengers particularly focused on the longer dwell transit travellers

Art in airports is not a new idea. Schiphol airport is possibly the most referenced with its private collection as well as links to The Rijksmuseum. Other examples include the 'Slipstream' sculpture at Heathrow's Terminal 2; Doha Airport's celebration of local and regional artists with multiple art displays around the terminals; and the use of illustrations and quotes from Irish poets at Dublin airport. In a similar vein, Seoul Incheon International Airport features Korean Traditional Cultural Centres with exhibits, performances and interactive experiences for passengers, particularly those with long airport stopovers.

There are clear benefits of incorporating curated art with commercial and common areas in airports. Lounges exhibiting art give reason for customers to linger a little longer while improving their overall airport experience.

As well as broadening the interest and appeal of the environment commercial partners may benefit from increased passenger dwell within common areas carefully integrated with retail and food and beverage concessions. There is also the potential to enhance a sense of well being and connection with the location and culture and potentially the commercial offer.

Positive cultural features, as well as adding to the sense of wellbeing, buy referencing and engaging with local talent and skills. They can link and increase awareness of local culture, old and new. Museum exhibitions such as in Athens airport ground the airport in the locations ancient past.

With all of the positives of an art programme come some cautionary considerations but ones that managed well can turn to the positive.

One area we have already touch in and that is the need for the commission or selected art to be done with an understanding of form, values, scale, volume, surface, and space as well as audience.

Art conveys a message and with its inclusion within an environment the custodian is aligning themselves with this message and values and hence become a statement of intent and brand of the host, here the airport operator. Attitudes and messages change, about a piece, subject, artist or commissioner and hence vigilant curation is a must. Managed well this can be an extremely powerful and positive communication and public relationship vehicle.

The actions taken by some following the Black Lives Matter movement has shown how some public that embodies the divisive social and political beliefs of the past is no longer representative of our diverse and inclusive society.

After a period of hand-wringing over the rapid encroachment of digital e-commerce airports are renewing their approach with a greater customer service focus.