Passenger Experience, Reimagined: Designing Airports for the Next Generation of Travelers

The way we move through airports is changing faster than ever, and the buildings around us have to keep pace. In this episode, we sit down with Mike Rudzinski, AIA, NCARB, the Aviation Buildings Great Lakes Region Leader at RS&H, to explore how flexibility, scalability, and passenger-centric design are reshaping modern terminals. With more than 30 years in aviation architecture and prior senior owner-representative roles at the Wayne County Airport Authority, Mike brings a rare dual perspective, balancing operational demands with an experience travelers actually enjoy.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone in the AEC industry tracking the future of airport architecture and aviation design. Mike breaks down how thoughtful terminal design improves passenger flow and elevates the passenger experience from curb to gate. From dynamic signage and modern baggage handling systems to the realities of building within active airport environments, he explains how airports future-proof airport infrastructure for the next decade—including emerging demands like advanced air mobility. It’s a practical look at how design teams turn evolving traveler expectations into strategic, buildable solutions.

Key Discussion Points

• Designing for passenger personas: Why understanding who moves through a terminal—and how they behave—sets a new baseline for airport architecture and passenger experience.
• Wayfinding and linear terminal layouts: How simple, intuitive designs like Detroit’s McNamara Terminal and Salt Lake City reduce confusion to a series of easy left or right turns.
• Dynamic multilingual signage: Customizing digital signage to reflect the languages of each flight’s passenger mix, sharpening passenger flow and communication.
• Rightsizing hold rooms: Rethinking gate areas built for 50–70 passenger regional jets to comfortably serve 150–200 travelers from larger aircraft like the A321 and 737.
• Seating behavior studies: Applying real passenger behavior data—like our tendency to leave empty seats between us—to replace unused middle seats with charging stations and tables.
• Wellness and sensory-sensitive design: How Grand Rapids Airport’s virtual screening facility helps sensory-sensitive travelers and children rehearse the security process before travel day.
• Electric ground vehicle infrastructure: Planning the heavy electrical demands of active airport environments as ground fleets electrify.
• Elevated concessions and connectivity: Meeting demand for premium and fast-casual dining, high-speed Wi-Fi, and lounges that ease travel anxiety.
• The security evolution: Tracing the shift from paper tickets and basic metal detectors to TSA Precheck, digital boarding passes, and sophisticated screening technology.