Air travel It can be hectic! But not in PortlandThe recently renovated international terminal looks like a forest. Portland International Airport (PDX), officials have spent a lot of money to bring Oregon Outdoors indoors. The renovated terminal is home to dozens of trees, other plants, beams of natural light and a wooden ceiling. You’ll also witness “therapy” experiences with llamas and alpacas from time to time.
Sharron van der Meulen, managing partner at ZGF Architects, told reporters: “Travelers are immediately greeted with expansive airfield views, abundant natural light and lush interior landscaping that creates a sense of wonder and delight and evokes a walk through a Pacific Northwest forest.”
The roof has been carefully designed, using wood to highlight the forest-covered landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. A total of 49 skylights illuminate 72 trees and 5,000 plants. Not only that, but all the local shops and restaurants allow travelers to get a taste of the Northwest culture. Some of them include Portland Coffee Roasters, Powell’s Books, Blue Star Donuts, and Pendleton.
Vince Granato, project manager for the Port of Portland, told the media: “With the new PDX, we wanted travelers to know they were in the Pacific Northwest before they even left the airport. And for locals, we wanted them to feel at home. Creating that sense of place began with ZGF’s spectacular design, which was brought to life by thousands of local artisans, using locally manufactured materials. That’s what makes this project so special.”
The project is more than just a cosmetic exercise. In 2023, PDX handled a total of 16.5 million passengers, and in June 2024, it welcomed more than 1.6 million travelers, a 9% increase from 2023, the Port of Portland reported. During the peak summer season, the airport handles about 450 flights a day. Travel Portland President and CEO Jeff Miller said, “PDX is the first and last impression for many of our visitors, and the renovation of the main terminal will undoubtedly turn it into a positive one. PDX is a shining star in our city’s tourism assets, and we often refer to it as one of the best neighborhoods in the city.”
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