Clark International Airport’s pre-flight inspection by Philippines President

As lead interior designer and retail planner for Clark International Airport, Populous was honoured to participate in an official event which saw the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, lead the inspection of the newly completed passenger terminal.

Held on Saturday 17 July, President Duterte along with official dignitaries and client, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp (LIPAD), were invited to tour the new airport, test the check-in kiosks, bag drops and other contactless features of the new terminal finishing with an inaugural flight.

Populous Architect, Ben Dawson, said the new international airport will become a vibrant gateway for travellers looking to fly in and out of the Philippines from the Central Luzon region, northwest of Manila.

“Passenger experience was at the heart of this design,” Dawson explains.

“We brought our world-leading experience in aviation design to create a space that is international in its standards for passengers while delivering a strong sense of place and cultural heritage for Filipinos.

“We believe the Philippines will be proud of Clark International Airport which draws on the energy of the local people and the environment as inspiration for the interior design and key feature installations throughout the terminal’s event spaces,” Dawson said.

Located in the province of Pampanga and its spectacular natural scenery of lava riverbeds, lush green mountains and teal blue volcanic lakes, Populous reflected this stunning natural beauty into the interior materials palette.

“We sought to avoid the neutral, beige palettes of many terminals around the world and, instead, create one which reflects the vibrancy of the area.

“At the same time, we believe there is a subtlety to the design which aims to showcase the open ceiling and the incredible views outside, rather than compete against them for attention,” Dawson said.

By working thoughtfully with the facility operators, end users and key stakeholders, Populous has designed an innovative solution for Clark International Airport that is functional, experiential and authentic.

Well-planned processing facilities limit queuing time and intuitive circulation make it easier to navigate through the terminal. The successful integration of the many visible and behind-the-scenes systems that impact airlines, operators, vendors and regulatory agencies, has created an airport that provides a positive passenger travel experience and a distinct spirit of place.

The 100,000 square metre building will meet global standards in terms of operations and increased health and safety measures for travellers in a post-COVID world.

Longevity is also crucial, with the facility flexible enough to adapt to changes in retail, hospitality and security needs throughout the client’s 25-year concession to operate the airport.

Main image credit: Light Plan Inc