News
February 6, 2025
Leading transport designer joins Populous to head Australia and New Zealand aviation practice
Matt Findlay will combine knowledge from Populous’ global stadia projects with industry specific terminal design expertise, creating human-centric passenger environments where, just like the seating bowl of a sports event or concert, the most connected personal moments can be shared.
Matt has more than 30 years of architecture experience on high profile aviation projects across the Asia Pacific (APAC) with a particular focus on commercial and retail design.
Joining global design firm Populous as a Principal Designer and ANZ Head of Aviation, Matt has led the design of terminals, operations and cargo facilities ranging from regional airports to major international hubs.
His approach to airport terminals is to design from the inside out, ensuring that the building is shaped by the user experience.
Airports are all about people. The passenger experience within the terminal environment is a primary factor in an airport’s success so the design focus needs to go beyond the statement the building makes upon arrival and extend into the terminal itself
“Airports are unlike many other buildings because of the emotions they carry – from busy and stressful business travellers to elated and joyful holiday makers. The terminal has a role to play in increasing or decreasing these emotions. Passenger-led insights are essential in guiding the way I design with a homogeneous synergy between all functions, spatial elements and activities that create exteriors that transport people into the local culture and interiors that are immersive connections to their destination.”
Based out of Populous’ Melbourne, Australia studio, Matt has held several leadership positions in the project, executive, client management and business development phases for major airport projects across the region.
Populous’ Co-Managing Director, APAC Richard Breslin said Matt’s transport background would compliment the Aviation team’s passenger-focused offering to clients.
We are excited that Matt has joined us. With our aviation business continuing to expand, Matt brings an intimate understanding of the sector that marries so seamlessly with our strong sports history of bringing people together in the places they love to be
From a process to an experience – the goal of the modern terminal
Matt believes there are design elements, common to the sports and entertainment industries, that can be applied to and shift thinking around the passenger experience to create a whole new untapped commercial eco-system for airport operators.
“Kansai International Airport in Japan is in the process of reconfiguring the domestic and international areas, including moving landside and airside boundaries to meet growth in visitation, new traveller profiles as well as make the terminal experience more free-flowing and enjoyable for everyone. New and expanded retail offerings, better and larger amenities, ease of processing, tailored passenger journeys and crafted spatial experiences are at the centre of decreasing stress and increasing passenger joy,” Mr Findlay said.
When all elements of the airport eco-system are designed to move people in the most natural way, then it creates a virtuous circle that feels effortless, and in turn makes the processing of passengers much more seamless for operators.
Mr Findlay said similarities between this approach and Populous designed sports parks such as Kai Tak Sports Park, which will open in Hong Kong in March, are clear to see.
“Inviting public spaces were prioritised right from the early stages of the design of the Sports Park, emphasising side-by-side user experience and commercial opportunities,” Mr Findlay said.
“This not only encourages repeat visits, but it ensures that venue operators are able to guide visitors seamlessly to the specific locations in the Park where they will derive the most value for themselves and operators.”
Populous' aviation practice
Populous’ APAC Aviation team is currently completing the redevelopment of Kansai International Airport; one of the world’s most unique and beautiful transport hubs, which will open in March 2025 ahead of the Osaka Expo in Japan. Other recent projects include the Clark International Airport in the Philippines, which was awarded the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airport in 2023.
In recent years Populous has expanded its focus on designing places where people love to be together from stadia, arenas and convention and exhibition centres, to also include transport infrastructure.
Populous’ aviation practice is a natural extension of what Populous does best: creating great customer experiences that drive growth for our clients. The firm offers architecture, planning, interior design, public art selection, wayfinding, graphics, branding and technology integration solutions to make airports destinations in and of themselves.
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