CASE STUDY
Creating comfortable and inclusive airport spaces How the right furniture can meet the needs of persons with differing abilities
Introduction
Arconas is dedicated to supporting the creation of more inclusive and welcoming airport terminals, by offering furniture solutions that prioritize accessibility and comfort. We consult with specialized and professional organizations such as Open Doors Organization in the USA, and the Rick Hansen Foundation in Canada, to help us make informed recommendations to our clients on how to enhance the universal accessibility of their seating layouts in their terminals.
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This case study takes a look at how Arconas' diverse range of seating and furniture solutions can transform airport terminals into warm and accommodating environments for all passengers.
FURNITURE FOR INCLUSIVE AIRPORT SPACES
Background
Buffalo International Airport
Airport spaces have evolved over the years, with a growing emphasis on creating universally accessible areas to cater to the diverse needs of travelers from all walks of life. Having ADA/PRM designated seating close to the gate has been around for some time but, with the aging population and greater awareness of “hidden” conditions, terminal operators are embracing the creation of both calming and stimulating spaces. “Airports can be overwhelming for everyone, but especially so for individuals with both physical disabilities and sensory sensitivities, such as autism or other developmental conditions, or passengers travelling with small children or the elderly,” says Lynn Gordon, Vice President of Business Development at Arconas. “Whether visible or hidden, meeting the needs of these passengers with differing abilities is top of mind for today’s airports and other transportation facilities.”
“Whether visible or hidden, meeting the needs of these passengers with differing abilities is top of mind for today’s airports.” – LYNN GORDON Vice President of Business Development at Arconas
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FURNITURE FOR INCLUSIVE AIRPORT SPACES
Background
Airports serve as unique environments that embrace people from various cultures and backgrounds, as well as diverse life experiences. “Spaces that consider the needs of all passengers create an environment and culture of inclusion, where everyone, regardless of their needs can travel in comfort and with confidence,” says Eric Lipp, Executive Director of Open Doors Organization. “That’s why we work closely with our airport clients to develop sound strategies for providing inclusive facilities for all passengers.” Arconas recognizes this and is on a mission to provide airports with innovative furniture ideas and solutions to enhance these passenger spaces. Incorporating these areas throughout the terminal allows for all passengers, with or without disabilities, to benefit from the positive effects spaces like these bring to the overall travel experience.
Quiet Room at Kansas City International Airport
“Spaces that consider the needs of all passengers create an environment and culture of inclusion, where everyone, regardless of their needs can travel in comfort and with confidence.” – ERIC LIPP Executive Director of Open Doors Organization
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Interactive Sensory Room at Kansas City International Airport
FURNITURE FOR INCLUSIVE AIRPORT SPACES
Products for Quiet / Calm Areas
Creating Calm and Comfort with Quiet Areas To ease the hustle and bustle of travelling, areas of quiet and calm can provide travelers with moments of refuge and relaxation, where they can take a minute to breathe and recharge. “Providing spaces for recovery and respite not only makes environments more comfortable but also increases access and inclusion for those who need safe, supportive and mind-friendly spaces to be able to participate,” says Brad McCannell, Vice President, Access & Inclusion, Rick Hansen Foundation. Arconas has a wide range of soft seating options that can be used to create these pockets of calm throughout the terminal. The PARCS Wing Series, Toguna and DOCKLANDS by our product partner, Bene, can help create separation and areas of personal space within a more open terminal environment, which can facilitate relaxation and help soothe the minds and bodies of weary travelers. The higher walls provide acoustic and visual separation from the outside environment without completely isolating the passenger. These semi-private areas are a great alternative to private rooms or closed off pods as they help reduce safety, security, and maintenance risks while also being cost-effective. These “pods” can be dimensioned to allow for full wheelchair and stroller access. Utilizing non-permeable materials such as contract grade vinyl make the units easy to clean and maintain while having only a small reduction in their acoustic properties.
PARCS Wing Chair
PARCS Toguna
DOCKLANDS
The PARCS Causeway is a soft bench with a small wall that can provide the feeling of separation from the larger area. Informal seating like benches can create a feeling of relaxation and added comfort.
PARCS Causeway
The Nevada Chair also provides comfortable individual seating that would fit in any sensory area or quiet contemplation areas, bringing warmth and relaxation to any space. With its clean lines, generous size and soft armrests, this chair is perfectly suited for nursing and children’s areas but also business travelers looking for a more personal space. Nevada Chair
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FURNITURE FOR INCLUSIVE AIRPORT SPACES
Products for Interactive Areas
Unique Furniture for Families and Interactive Areas On the other end of the spectrum, families travelling with children or large groups often require areas that provide additional support and comfort without restricting their movement or impeding on other travelers. Arconas offers innovative and dynamic furniture solutions that enable families to gather together comfortably. Seating options that encourage free movement and flexibility, where travelers can stretch out and relax, have an immediate positive impact on passenger experience. Connex and ZigZag are large seating systems that create dynamic areas for families or large groups. Connex sofas and benches offer the flexibility to be configured in unique arrangements, creating an environment where passengers can experience a heightened sense of freedom. Fun pieces in interesting shapes or that can be moved may calm children and other travelers by providing a level of interactivity that can take their mind off the travel experience. Fiore, Twenty-Twenty and Star Bench are moveable and reconfigurable pieces that could be included in a sensory interactive area.
Connex
ZigZag
From left: Fiore, Twenty-Twenty, Star Bench
All Arconas soft seating pieces are available in wide range of materials and finishes to complement any terminal environment and are designed for easy cleaning, maintenance, and longevity. In addition, most models allow for the seamless integration of a safe power supply for recharging devices. Connex Power Arm
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FURNITURE FOR INCLUSIVE AIRPORT SPACES
Creating the Space
Benefits and Outcomes Incorporating quiet and interactive areas throughout the terminal, in addition to specific areas or rooms, creates a universally accessible passenger experience for all. Passengers don’t need to look on a map and trek to a specific area or room. Airports are able open their buildings and reclaim unused or underused spaces. Everyone, regardless of disability or not, can enjoy the diverse furniture options.
“At Open Doors Organization, we strive to promote inclusivity and the breaking down of barriers that individuals with disabilities often face when travelling,” said Lipp. Below are examples of how Arconas products can be arranged to create inclusive areas within the terminal spaces.
Small Open Area
Large Open Area
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FURNITURE FOR INCLUSIVE AIRPORT SPACES
Conclusion
Los Angeles International Airport
Arconas' innovative furniture solutions can help to transform airport terminals, fostering welcoming and inclusive environments that cater to diverse traveler needs. Our designs prioritize accessibility, comfort, and inclusivity, and can create spaces that enhance relaxation and elevate the overall travel experience. For more information or assistance with a project, please visit arconas.com or contact: Lynn Gordon, Vice President of Business Development lgordon@arconas.com
Special thanks to the following organizations for their advice and input into this article:
The Open Doors Organization (ODO) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that focuses on creating a more inclusive and accessible world for people with disabilities, particularly in the travel and hospitality industries. ODO's mission is to promote accessible travel and tourism, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in various travel and leisure activities.
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The Rick Hansen Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization founded by Rick Hansen, a former Canadian Paralympian and wheelchair athlete. The foundation's mission is to create a more inclusive and accessible world for people with disabilities.
FURNITURE FOR INCLUSIVE AIRPORT SPACES
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