Airports serve as more than just transportation modes, they serve as portals and gateways into the city. Every aspect from the design of the terminals to the orientation of the runways serves the culture, geography, and specific priorities of the city the airport is located in. At SkyBirdSupply, we love the intersection of art and aviation and we take airport layouts and transform them into custom airport maps, airport posters, and airport decor that reflect the culture and design of the city.

Let’s take a dive into geography and culture impact the design of airports, why airport maps serve as great wall art or gifts for pilots, and how airline terminals serve as cultural signatures. 

First Impressions for New Cities. 

Airports serve as the first point of contact for anyone entering a new city. With runways, taxiways, and terminals, these components are all planned out and designed with a purpose, taking into consideration the local geography, culture, and history.

Prioritizing functional design and symmetry, and reflecting precision and discipline, airports in efficiency-oriented cities showcase the aforementioned attributes. Terminals in areas that boast a wealth of artistic history may feature local design elements, including patterns, motifs, and architectural details. Each airport serves as a gateway to the city it is located in, and each design is capable of narrating a tale. This idea is the foundation of our custom airport maps and airport posters.

How Geography Influences the Design of Airports

Geography is the first key element to consider in the design of an airport. Features of the landscape, such as mountains, rivers, coasts, and deserts dictate the design of the airport including the orientation of runways, the design of septic systems, and the placement of the dominant building. 

Areas with Mountains 

Airports such as Aspen, Colorado and Lukla, Nepal have short, and sloped runways that hug the valley. These compact layouts are a result of the geography and the adventurous nature of the region. These are the kind of designs that showcase beautifully in designs made as airport decor and in pilot gift maps of the airport linework.

Cities Located Near a Coast

Airports built near a coast always align their runways with the direction of the winds for safety and efficiency. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Amsterdam Schiphol have, to the eye, symmetrical long, parallel runways. These layouts are often custom made for posters advertising the airports, and for intricate designs of the airports.

Deserts and Flatlands

Dubai International and Phoenix Sky Harbor airports have vast open spaces and flexible designs for their layouts, including multiple parallel runways. These airports are modern and are great decor for homes, offices, or hangars.

Terminal Architecture Reflects Local Culture

Architects design runways to complement the geography, and design the terminals to reflect the local culture. Many airports employ local materials, designs/schemes or decorative styles, including:

• Singapore Changi Airport has the integrated gardens that reflect the airport’s name and the city’s identity.
• Denver International Airport was designed to have a big top tent inspired by the Colorado Rockies, and also the tent design reflects Native American architecture.
• Marrakesh Menara Airport has Moroccan patterns, and so designs welcoming an arrival to the country.
• Incorporating the appealing geometry and culture to create art for SkyBirdSupply airport posters along with the custom airport maps is also the reason for the popularity, and for the custom maps, they incorporate the geography and culture.

City Planning Shapes Airport Layouts

Despite the age of the airport, they are all influenced by the design of the surrounding city and city planning.

• Historic Urban Airports: Older airports like Chicago Midway and London City Airports are surrounded by dense city neighborhoods, leading to the design of their compact runways and intricate taxiways.

• Modern Expansive Airports: Newer airports have an ambitious design featuring long, parallel runways and wide taxiways. These layouts create visually appealing designs, and modern airports operate flexibly. These are popular designs for decor as well for aviation enthusiasts.

Cultural Influence on Operational Design.

Airport operations are also affected by culture.

• An efficiency focused approach is seen in Airports in Japan, Singapore, and Northern Europe where the design and layout of the terminal and flow of operations is focused on symmetry and design and punctuality. This flow is also seen in the airport design wall art and gifts presented to pilots.

• A hospitality focused approach is seen in the middle east airports where the design and layout of the terminal is emphasized with the large and extravagant lounges and luxury and comfort terminal design. 

• A leisure focused approach is seen in the airport in the Caribbean islands where the layout and design is focused on relaxation travel culture and is open with small terminals and runs on scenic runways.

These operational choices influence the design and layout of the runway and taxiway and are the same designs seen in our custom airport maps and airport posters.

Why do airport maps make meaningful art?

At SkyBird Supply, geographical and cultural nuances are translated to airport maps and decor:

• Runways and taxiways represent a journey and memories making them emotionally valuable decor. 
• Maps of airports made in a poster design are educational in the sense that they help a pilot visualize. 
• Decor is used to enhance spaces and the geometric and rhythmic design in airport maps is of a modern trendy decor style.
• Personalized custom maps are thoughtful gifts for pilots where they can personalize with date, tail number, and favorite airport.

Summary: Airports as Art and Storytelling

Every Taxiway, and terminal tells stories of efficiency, hospitality, and innovation, as well as the identity of the local region; while each runway is a cultural statement, geographical reflection, and architectural display.

SkyBird Supply custom decor and custom airport maps transform geographies and cityscapes into built forms. Each piece of aviation memorabilia, and personal keepsake celebrates the heritage of flight and the artistic expression of cities. When you hang a SkyBird Supply custom airport map, you see, and appreciate the essence of a city.

FAQs

Q1: What makes SkyBird Supply airport posters one of a kind?

 A: Each poster merges artistic minimalism and authenticity of real airport layouts, making the poster a unique piece of airport decor.

Q2: Is it possible to personalize my map of the airport?

 A: Yes, it is possible! Our personalized airport maps include adding names, dates, favorite locations, tail numbers. It's an excellent gift idea for a pilot as well.

Q3: What airports can be custom made into posters?

 A: You can turn your favorite airport into a custom airport map, as we cover all ranges of airports across the globe.

Q4: How can airport maps be used in home or office decor?

A: Most airport maps have simple lines and elegant patterns which create visual interest with such order. This can be a great addition to living spaces, offices, pilot lounges, and hangars.

Q5: Where can I order SkyBirdSupply airport posters?

A: For a wonderful selection of airport posters and tailor-made airport maps, you should head to SkyBirdSupply.