THE AIRPORT

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There’s an allure to an airport. It could be the beautiful majestic aero-machines (thanks to the Wright brothers) giving way to each other on the landing strip. Or could it be the transient mood that permeates the airport?

Essentially, the airport is the only international entry into a city, beside the seaport off course. And no, it’s unlike a bus stop, but off course not. It, the airport, is much more emotionally charged than the bus stop. There’s the feeling of happiness for some as they head for home after a business trip weighted against the somber relative that’s just taken off not to return for some years.

There’s also that element of utter submission when you’re 45 000 feet above ground, you’ve absolutely no control, the pilot is ‘’god’’, if he messes up, there’s no return. That’s it!

Some carry the feeling of adventure as they touch ground anxiously waiting to unveil the city ahead. The airport makes the first impression. The discerning few judge the respective city largely on the airports experience. Was the airport staff genuinely friendly, does the airport flow, can I make it to terminal 3 by way-finding (without asking), is the design considered, and how well is this airport curated? Does it offer a nice mix of retail, culture and free space?

What about the departing? Once again, the airport is the last chance the city has to make an impression, does it bid farewell in sincerity? Does the design and service imply that you’re not of value anymore since you’re departing?

Take the term ‘’aerotropolis’’, it’s when the airport anchors its surrounding. The process when urban planners work from the airport out, every layer of the immediate environment speaks to the airport. Such terms are indicative of the value that some cities or countries have placed on airports. In other words, this here is not just an airport; it’s the centerpiece. However, this could be argued, is it placemaking in full effect? Or is it placemaking inappropriately applied?

Image credited to ''www.proudlyafrican.info''

Would a gallery not be well placed in an airport, not with the primary objective to sell artwork but more so to balance the over-commercialization of space in airports?

Imagine how many users would peruse the space as they ‘’kill time’’ waiting for their connecting flight. Yes, it brings the added benefit of local artists having the last shot at an international audience. Terrorism, drug trafficking and contraband goods have also understood the critical entrance of the airport. The race is on, who can outsmart the other between airport security and criminals.

An airport, for some, is merely a point of arrival and departure but for others, it certainly is more than that.  

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 Welcome to King Shaka International!