Accessible Elevated Airports for Resilience on Higher Ground

Recommendation: bringing universal accessibility to the design table from day one by embedding accessible entrances, luggage handling zones, and connected wayfinding into the elevated core of airports.

architectural choices must balance resilience with passenger comfort. Elevating terminals demands wind-resistant structures, redundant power and climate controls, and clearly separated zones for security and safety. Include sleep-friendly lighting and acoustic design to lower fatigue during long layovers, so travelers stay focused when navigating the loop of elevated platforms.

Design a connected experience that links elevated arrivals to ground transit through clearly signed entrances and protected pedestrian bridges. For example, at ohare and philadelphia, implement a shared signage language and a universal flow to connect them with parking, baggage handling, and ground transportation, guiding them end-to-end without backtracking.

Adopt canadian accessibility guidelines in a harmonized framework with US practice to ensure consistent performance and reduced maintenance across airports. Align elevator placement, tactile paving, and ramp gradients so canadian standards reinforce safety and accessibility, not only at one site but across networks.

beauty in architectural design is not ornament; it supports wayfinding through clear sightlines, high-contrast materials, and durable surfaces. Incorporate tactile cues, low-glare finishes, and daylighting to shorten sleep and reduce fatigue for long connections. The cincinnatinorthern corridor illustrates how elevated hubs can become a regional anchor for mobility, another reliable path, to ensure reliability and passenger confidence.

Assess terrain and climate risks for elevated airport platforms

Begin with a site-specific terrain and climate risk assessment to shape the elevated platform design. Collect data on ground bearing, soil type, groundwater, slope, drainage, and flood exposure, and compile climate histories for the life of the facility.

Terrain characteristics: conduct geotechnical boreholes to define ground type and bearing capacity, identify liquefaction risk, and map slope stability. Use the results to set foundation depth and pile type (fixed vs floating) and confirm deck height above grade and clearance for equipment and mobility.
Hydrology and drainage: model 100-year flood levels and stormwater paths, design positive drainage on the concourse and airside surfaces, and install non-visible drainage channels beneath the deck to prevent standing water in rain events.
Wind and microclimate: apply local wind data and climate projections to size edge rails, wind screens, and HVAC intakes; test for gust loads at the edge and near adjacent structures such as stores and exhibition spaces, and adjust height and enclosure spacing accordingly.
Non-visible hazards: align with regional seismic design guidelines, include base isolators or flexible connections as needed, and plan for soil settlement over time to protect electrical rooms, airline operations, and guest facilities.
Operational constraints: assess impact on airline flights, ground handling, and guest movement in and out of the concourse; ensure accessibility for older travelers and people with mobility needs on both the ground and elevated routes; coordinate with adjacent cultural and commercial spaces (museum, exhibition, orlando, stores) to minimize disruption; also engage market stakeholders to align service windows with market activity and involve key partners such as the city corridor in the cincinnatinorthern area.
Data and collaboration: use information received from geotechnical reports, meteorological stations, and facility notes; convene a team workshop to agree on design margins and monitoring plans next on the program schedule; find gaps with involved stakeholders to strengthen the plan.

Next steps include installing monitoring sensors, updating risk maps, and sharing findings with the market, airline partners, and guest services. The plan remains accessible to yourself and the team, and supports informed decisions for concourse and airside operations across the facility.

Layout strategies for safe passenger circulation on elevated terraces

Install clearly marked, accessible circulation routes on elevated terraces with a minimum main corridor width of 1.8 meters to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, and retrofit any existing routes that are narrower. Add 1.0–1.2 meter secondary edges for service movement. Design three parallel bands: a central airside path for departing traveling passengers, a landside path for arriving passengers, and a continuous amenities spine. This reduces crossing points, increases capacity, and promotes comfortable, welcoming spaces for all. Update signage to be high-contrast, multilingual (including french), with tactile indicators so that accessibility is clear for the world of travelers.

Flow design and safety features

Align sightlines so queuing points and information centers are visible from both airside and landside routes. Use clear floor patterns and reflective guidance to prevent bottlenecks at stairs and elevators. Place handrails at consistent heights and ensure three egress points per terrace segment to support safe departures during peak periods. Seating clusters are spaced to maintain at least 1.5 meters of clearance, and anchor points at every 60–80 meters help travelers explore without detours. The team should track dwell near amenities and adjust spacing after lived experience feedback from philadelphia pilots and other sites.

Accessibility and amenities

Provide at least two accessible bathroom blocks per terrace and locate them within 100–150 meters of major nodes, with at least one stall that is reachable from airside and landside flows. Place a central information center operated by staff fluent in multiple languages, including french, to support traveling families and solo travelers. Amenities such as water, shade, charging, and weather protection should be distributed along the spine to keep comfort high and dignity intact for womens rights travelers and other groups. These measures were designed with a focus on accessibility, and they respond to the three wants of users: ease of movement, clear point of reference, and welcoming spaces anchored in a center of care.

Vertical mobility systems: ramps, elevators, stairs, and emergency egress

Install a mixed vertical mobility system on the main axis: a ramp network with a maximum slope of 1:12, width at least 1.5 m, and landings every 3–4 m of rise; pair this with a high-capacity elevator serving every floor, with car width 1.0–1.4 m, door width 0.9–1.0 m, and speed 1.0–1.75 m/s; stairs run parallel with continuous handrails and tactile indicators at each landing; connect ground, mezzanine, and post-security areas through adjacent circulation and well-lit walls. This enhancement benefits the elderly, travelers with luggage, and staff moving between their zones. Thanks to the team’s planning, keep toilet access visible from key points and map stations near adjacent gates. Before finalizing layouts, read the floor plans for each ground-to-floor connection and run a rehearsal to validate post-security flows and private staff routes. Lessons from gobeklitepe layouts and winnipeg terminals show that clear sightlines and simple routes reduce bottlenecks and confusion.

Ramp design and stairs integration

Ramps require a gentle, consistent grade, a non-slip surface, and edge protection. Use guardrails on both sides and provide landing spaces that allow turning and rest. A minimum width of 1.5 m enables wheelchair users and companions to pass safely; keep landings every 1.0–1.5 m of rise or after every 3–4 m of length to support relief breaks. Stairs should support two-way traffic with clearly marked handrails on both sides and tactile indicators at each landing; align stairs with adjacent walls to improve sightlines in busy areas such as ground-to-post-security corridors.

Elevators, emergency egress, and post-security flow

Elevator cars should feature automatic doors, a width of 0.9–1.0 m for doors and 1.0–1.4 m for car width, with speeds in the 1.0–1.75 m/s range and capacity adequate for peak staff movement. Plan two independent egress routes with separate stair cores and fire-resist walls; provide emergency lighting, audible indicators, and high-contrast signage to support users with limited vision. Post-security layouts must connect adjacent terminals with clear, signed routes; designate private stations for staff near work areas and toilets for accessibility. Look at rehearsals to confirm that readers can follow the point-to-point path from ground to floor, and adapt location choices based on actual flows and read feedback from the team and elderly passengers.

Storm resilience and flood planning for elevated terminals

Install modular flood barriers at all ground interfaces to safeguard elevated terminals, ensuring accessible operations during storms. Use rapid-seal doors and raised equipment plinths to keep the most critical systems online and passengers moving through the terminal with minimal disruption. Pair barriers with a dedicated dewatering plan to pull water away from sensitive spaces within minutes.

Model flood risk with recent climate data and delta-based thresholds, then design drainage and sump pumps that operate automatically during a storm surge. Raise mechanical rooms and electrical panels above expected water levels, and install watertight doors for the most vulnerable zones. Implement backup power and redundant communication lines to sustain operations even when the station loses external power. Aim for star-level uptime during storms.

To support accessibility, align wayfinding, toilet facilities, and gates with accessible routes that stay usable under water height scenarios. Ensure wi-fi remains connected across elevated spaces, so passengers can access real-time alerts and airline updates from your stations and gates. Use durable finishes and non-slip surfaces for all spaces, including stairs and lifts, to support your passengers.

Train staff and establish a cross-functional team that runs quarterly drills, taking training lessons from near-miss events and refining procedures according to feedback. Create clear roles for pull-through operations, incident command, and passenger guidance at stations, gates, and boarding positions. Practice evacuation routes and wi-fi-driven alert systems so your team responds faster than the delta of the storm’s progression.

In Istanbul, elevated designs help market resilience for nation-wide travel, with stations organized into zones that keep airline operations functional even during floods. Focus on feature sets such as elevated lounges, better toilet facilities, and near-ground wi-fi hotspots that serve gates and spaces efficiently. Align with best practices used by major airports and consider deployment in delta regions where storms are frequent.

Accessibility audits: compliance checks, wayfinding, and inclusive design

Start with a focused action: run a comprehensive accessibility audit across pre-security and post-security zones, map every passenger path, and create a priority fixes list. This service highlights touchpoints such as the location of service counters, toilets, wi-fi hotspots, and table-height seating. Use examples from austin-bergstrom and lcwaikiki to anchor best practices and ensure the plan serves customer groups, including older travelers and those traveling with companions. In construction phases, implement interim wayfinding that remains readable and accessible, and fix routes early to avoid costly rework. Address flights and airline operations in the plan to reduce friction for crews and passengers alike.

Compliance checks validate alignment with local codes, accessibility standards, and airline procedures. Create a simple scoring rubric across pre-security, security, and post-security zones, tracking toilets, doors, ramps, signage, and seating. Most critical fixes target signage contrast, doorway widths, and counter heights. Document location-based results so maintenance teams can address issues quickly and consistently, and cite examples from busy terminals to illustrate the path forward.

Wayfinding design delivers clarity for being able to navigate without hesitation. Use high-contrast signs, large square floor plans at key nodes, and maps on satellite kiosks. Ensure maps show toilets, service desks, and gates, with stairs and elevators equipped with tactile indicators. Place signs at eye level for wheelchair users and near entrances for pre-security travel. Use fixed elements such as table clusters and bars to anchor the flow while keeping clutter down. Verify every location, including those located in satellite areas, is clearly labeled and easy to follow for all travelers.

Inclusive design actions focus on better accessibility for all. Provide fixed seating near service desks, table heights that accommodate varied users, and grab bars near restrooms and in selected concourses. Ensure wi-fi is available to customers without login and extend power outlets along walls for device charging. Prioritize the needs of older travelers by minimizing steps, aligning counters to accessible heights, and offering alternative service paths when queues form. Use real-world feedback from customers of diverse locations–like austin-bergstrom–and from other airports with similar layouts to tune layouts, traffic flow, and comfort. The focus is to keep every location, including bars and other public spaces, easy to use and to support most passengers in boarding and connecting smoothly.

Intermodal integration: rail, bus, and airside transfers to reduce ground-level congestion

Install a unified intermodal hub at the airport campus where rail, bus, and airside transfers share a single, secure concourse. The hub should fit a 2,000-square-meter footprint, installed with wide, step-free connections to every terminal pier, and a dedicated pedestrian spine that keeps arrivals and departures flowing without penning up curb lanes. Use a common, real-time schedule table and integrated ticketing to synchronize trains, buses, and airport shuttles, reducing idle time for arriving passengers. Provide reliable wi-fi across the hub and along transfer corridors to support information access for adults traveling with luggage. This approach serves the user and reduces ground congestion, guiding people along the fastest routes. Passengers taking these routes benefit from clearer wayfinding and shorter transfer times, yourself included if you’re arriving from a connecting flight.

The delta between current ground movements and the proposed intermodal flow should be measurable: aim for a 40–50% reduction in curb-side and on-taxiing activity during peak hours and a transfer-time target under 6 minutes for most corridors. Design this based on regulatory requirements, with the installed sensors and cameras feeding a live dashboard that updates planners and operators every 5 minutes. The recommended plans should also anticipate resilience against weather and surge events, safeguarding operations inside a robust infrastructure. Armstrong Construction leads the build, and an ambassador program will engage local communities to align wayfinding and placemaking with places such as lcwaikiki and orleans, creating familiar reference points for travelers arriving from private modes of transport. The outcome supports rights for efficient travel, supports user needs, and enhances the airport’s capacity to serve a growing pool of everyday travelers and occasional visitors alike.

Design components and data targets

Key design elements include a cross-operator transfer spine that links rail platforms, bus bays, and airside connectors with minimal elevation changes, a 2,000-square-meter central hub, and a compact footprint that minimizes walking distance within the airport campus. Install direct, weather-protected passages, ample seating, and clear sightlines to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and service vehicles. A dedicated operations table tracks transfer performance, including arrival-departure alignment, dwell times, and passenger satisfaction metrics, with real-time updates to staff and ambassadors. Ensure wi-fi coverage is seamless, and signage uses consistent iconography to support adults and families–across languages and literacy levels–within places that seeing is believing and motion is easy. Plan for sinks and other water-management features as part of climate-resilient infrastructure, reducing flood risk and keeping flows uninterrupted during heavy rain events. These design choices align with regulatory expectations and private-sector partnerships, and they help you deliver a predictable, high-quality experience for passengers who want to move efficiently through airports.

Implementation and governance

Adopt a phased rollout with clear milestones: initial design freeze, regulatory approvals, and a 12–18 month construction window led by Armstrong Construction, followed by a 6–8 week commissioning phase. Establish a private-public coordination model that includes airport authorities, rail operators, bus agencies, and airline ambassadors to oversee planning, scheduling, and incident response. Implement installed sensing networks, access-control zones, and data-sharing agreements that protect user rights while enabling real-time operational decisions. Create a plans-and-outcomes framework that tracks performance against the delta in congestion reduction, transfer times, and customer satisfaction, publishing results in a monthly report for stakeholders. The ambassador program will help ensure the feel of the space is welcoming and authentic to local culture, reinforcing the sense that the airport is a connected, easy-to-navigate node for travelers arriving from diverse origins and enjoying a smoother, more predictably managed experience at airports.