La Guardia Airport

BACKGROUND

Plantscape Commercial Silk collaborated with Supermass Studio on the interior landscape for Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, New York. Supermass Studio’s original plan featured live plants and trees. However, due to the climate-controlled interior and the large scale of the trees required, live greenery was not a viable solution. Plantscape provided a practical alternative, recommending high-quality artificial plants that maintained aesthetic realism while eliminating the risks and costs of live plants.

INTENT

The goal was to transform Terminal B into a calming and immersive environment for passengers. Airports, often associated with stress from delays and layovers, needed a design that offered emotional respite and physical comfort. By incorporating biophilic design principles, the vision aimed to create a forest-like atmosphere that provided a mental break from the typically stark and stressful airport setting.

CHALLENGES

Two significant challenges shaped the design process:

The Desire for Live Plants: The client initially envisioned live trees, which were incompatible with the climate-controlled spaces. Extensive sampling of artificial foliage, tree trunks, and sculpted elements demonstrated that artificial solutions could achieve the desired realism without compromising aesthetics.

Fire Safety Regulations: Meeting stringent fire safety codes was essential for the high-security facility. Plantscape’s ThermaLeaf® line of fire-safe artificial plants ensured compliance, offering a diverse range of plant types and foliage choices without sacrificing quality or safety.

DESIGN STRATEGIES

Refuge and Biophilic Principles: Small pockets of greenery, including ferns, trees, and bushes, were paired with seating areas to create “Refuge” spaces. These areas provided passengers with solitude, mental escape, and a connection to nature, alleviating travel stress.

Dynamic and Diffuse Light: Expansive glass walls allowed natural light to filter through, creating shifts in brightness. Interior tree canopies replicated this effect, mimicking sunlight streaming through leaves to evoke a park-like atmosphere.

Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli: To counteract the repetitive layouts typical of airport terminals, asymmetrical planting areas and organic forms introduced visual variety. These unique arrangements added texture, enhanced navigation, and made the terminal more memorable for passengers.

OUTCOMES

The project transformed Terminal B into a tranquil, biophilic space, replacing a sterile, transactional environment with a park-like experience. Over 30-foot tall artificial trees and thoughtfully designed greenery provided emotional refuge and sensory comfort while maintaining operational efficiency.

IMPACT

This redesign was part of LaGuardia’s $8 billion redevelopment, which elevated the airport to world-class status. Terminal B earned numerous accolades, including:

2023 Airport Service Quality Award for Best North American Airport (25-40 million passengers).

UNESCO’s Prix Versailles for best new airport.

Skytrax 5-star rating, a first for any North American airport terminal.

Passenger satisfaction scores increased by 20%, highlighting the transformation’s success. LaGuardia has become a model for airport development, demonstrating how innovative design can reshape traveler experiences.

CONCLUSION

The biophilic design at LaGuardia Terminal B, enabled by Plantscape Commercial Silk’s artificial plant solutions, played a pivotal role in the airport’s transformation. The integration of naturalistic greenery, calming light, and thoughtful spaces redefined the airport experience, setting a new standard for design excellence in travel environments.