Thursday, September 12, 2024
On August 14, Portland International Airport unveiled its newly expanded and reimagined $2-billion main terminal, designed to serve as a destination in its own right rather than just a transit hub. The Port of Portland, which operates Oregon’s only major airport, aimed to create the world’s most locally inspired airport. A striking feature of the terminal is its 50-foot-high lattice ceiling, crafted entirely from locally sourced timber, which frames large skylights and windows. These allow natural light to illuminate the space, nurturing the dozens of local trees and 5,000 plants scattered throughout the common areas—ideal spaces for event sponsors to host meet-and-greet activations for arriving or departing guests.
The Port of Portland, which manages Oregon’s only major airport, set out to create the world’s most locally inspired airport. A key element is the 50-foot-high lattice ceiling, constructed entirely from locally sourced timber, which frames expansive skylights and windows. This design floods the space with natural light, essential for supporting the growth of numerous local trees and 5,000 plants spread across common areas. These vibrant spaces offer ideal settings for event sponsors to host meet-and-greet activations for arriving or departing guests.
Meanwhile, high-traffic areas are outfitted with Oregon-sourced white oak and terrazzo flooring, chosen for its accessibility and ease of use with wheelchairs, assistive devices, and roller bags. According to Sharron van der Meulen, managing partner at ZGF Architects, which led the project, wood was selected not only for its local significance but also because it has a lower carbon footprint compared to steel and concrete.
From another angle, “we felt strongly that [the terminal] had to reflect the people and the businesses within this region,” said van der Meulen in this Conde Nast Traveler article. As a result, the 25 shops and restaurants there offer locally produced goods. Just one example: On the mezzanine is a beer hall named Loyal Legion, offering dozens of Oregon-brewed beers on tap.
The airport’s policy prohibits the inflated pricing typically seen at airports, ensuring more affordable options at the F&B outlets. This benefits travelers and provides event sponsors with the opportunity to serve food and beverages within their activation spaces in the terminal at reasonable prices.
Coming Next: A Small Conference Center
By 2026, association boards and committees will be able to plan convenient day trips to Portland International Airport (PDX), as formal meeting spaces will open in the South Mezzanine of the terminal. These spaces will accommodate various group sizes, offering a 1,376-square-foot room for up to 38 attendees, an 893-square-foot room for 28, and a 794-square-foot room for 26 people.
Additionally, there will be two 386-square-foot rooms for up to 10 people each and four 130-square-foot “huddle rooms,” each designed for groups of four. Portland International Airport is 10 miles from the Oregon Convention Center, which is just across the Willamette River from downtown Portland. It’s a 15-minute drive from the airport to the center.
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