A U.S. airport with a huge renovation budget has reopened its main terminal with some unique improvements.
You don’t even have to travel to your destination to enjoy the feeling of being in nature or meeting some furry friends.
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According to the New York Post, Portland International Airport (PDX)’s main terminal is welcoming travelers back in style after a $2.15 billion renovation.
Both arriving and departing passengers will find that they have spent a lot of money on greenery.
The airport now houses an indoor forest that is reminiscent of the typical landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
Imagine real trees and plants with natural light coming through a wooden roof to simulate a real forest canopy.
If the goal is to make passengers feel better by creating a calm atmosphere, this could be just the way to go about the trip.
When the renovation is complete, there will be more than 5,000 plants, all hanging from the ceiling and under the trees.
The aim is to convey the “look and feel of a regional forest,” according to a press release.
Its 49 skylights will reduce the need for electrical lighting and energy consumption per square meter by half.
“Every part of the new terminal design aims to enhance the travel experience and reduce stress,” said Sharron van der Meulen, managing partner of ZGF Architects, in a statement.
He added that people would enjoy the expansive views of the airfield, plenty of natural light and the “lush” landscapes inside.
Every decorative detail was also planned strategically – and sustainably.
All of the wood used for the airport terminal came from within 300 miles of the airport, according to an airport press release.
The blanket even came from over ten family, nonprofit and tribal forests.
They have all been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which sets standards for forest management.
Some four-legged friends will also greet the passengers.
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“The llamas and alpacas visit PDX to soothe and delight travelers as part of the airport’s broader animal therapy program,” Allison Ferre, media manager for the Port of Portland, which operates PDX, told CNN.
She said they will pass by the terminal a few times each month.
The airport also features artwork by a local artist, whose six Pacific Northwest-inspired landscapes are displayed on two video walls at the TSA checkpoints.
The walls are even synchronized with “real-time data,” so the scenes change daily depending on factors such as time of day and weather.
“Throughout the project, our focus has been: How can we reflect the pride and love we all feel for the region in the new PDX?” said Curtis Robinhold, executive director of the Port of Portland, in a statement.
The second part of the expansion is scheduled to be completed in early 2026.
This phase will include permanent exits, meet-and-greet areas, and more shopping and dining options.
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