Greenspace Design for Airports

Abstract

This research seeks to substantiate the need for special psychophysical recreation areas (closed greenspaces) at international and regional airports. To that end, the researcher has: Studied the medical and psychological impact of flight on human condition; considered the creation and maintenance of greenspaces from the standpoint of botany; analyzed the existing closed greenspaces at airports, their pros and cons; proposed solutions to identified problems; analyzed various layouts for such greenspaces and projected the microclimate they might have; developed a concept and proposed a working model for stand-alone airport greenspace. The paper analyzes a pilot design and proposes the basic principles behind airport-based psychophysical recreation areas: Special plants for better microclimate; comfortable visuals, i.e. harmonious and non-aggressive interiors; use of greenspace to mitigate the stress the airport environment subjects human beings to; airport greenspacing on the basis of space classification; layout optimization, i.e. functional zoning of greenspaces, with special areas being arranged for crew members, arriving and departing passengers, and passengers of different age groups. Spatial layouts, engineering, and designs may vary to better fit the purpose. Thus, a single closed greenspace instance may comprise multiple modules to serve different use cases. One mandatory feature is accessibility for persons with reduced mobility combined with special communication means for persons with disabilities.