Pittsburgh International Airport has opened a public outdoor terrace, introducing a new approach to passenger wellbeing and community-focused airport design.
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has opened a new publicly accessible outdoor terrace as part of its new terminal development, marking a significant shift in how airports are designed to improve passenger wellbeing, community access and the overall travel experience.
The 36,000-square-foot UPMC Terrace, located before the security checkpoint, provides travellers, airport employees and visitors with access to fresh air, landscaped gardens, seating areas and views of airport operations. Unlike many airport outdoor spaces that are reserved for premium lounge customers or ticketed passengers, the terrace is free to use and open to everyone.
The project reflects a growing international trend towards designing airports that prioritise passenger wellbeing alongside operational efficiency. While airports have traditionally focused on moving passengers from curb to gate as quickly as possible, Pittsburgh’s latest development aims to create opportunities for relaxation before travel begins.
Passenger journey designed around wellbeing
The terrace is located on the Arrivals Level near the Welcome Point and VisitPittsburgh desk, with additional access between baggage carousels. Inspired by the natural landscape of western Pennsylvania, the space incorporates native planting, outdoor seating and open walkways intended to provide a calm environment within the airport.
Allegheny County Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer Christina Cassotis described the project as one of the most significant public outdoor airport spaces in the United States.
“If we look around today and take a look at what I think is probably the most beautiful outdoor space at a U.S. airport, and one that has been so carefully designed to allow for a Pittsburgh, western Pennsylvania, Allegheny County experience for travelers, as well as staff, to encounter the beauty of this area, and really, to just to feel better,” she said.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato highlighted the accessibility of the facility, noting that passengers do not need premium lounge access or business class tickets to use the terrace.
“What I love most about it is — yes, the beauty and the accessibility — but really you don’t have to have club access or really be flying business class to be able to experience this beautiful space. This is for everyone,” she said.
Airport design continues to evolve
The UPMC Terrace has been funded with support from UPMC and the Richard King Mellon Foundation and forms part of Pittsburgh International Airport’s wider terminal redevelopment programme.
Additional outdoor areas are already planned, including another publicly accessible terrace before security, two post-security terraces for departing passengers and the Green Spine public space located outside the terminal.
The airport believes these spaces will strengthen connections between the airport and the local community while improving passenger comfort.
According to airport officials, the terraces represent a new way of thinking about airport infrastructure, with greater emphasis placed on natural light, outdoor environments and reducing the stress often associated with air travel.
Project architect Brian Gongaware of Gensler said the design reflects Pittsburgh’s character while creating an airport experience unlike any other in the United States.
The terraces are also intended to reconnect modern aviation with the airport’s historic role as a destination in its own right. Pittsburgh’s original terminals featured popular observation decks where families regularly gathered to watch aircraft movements before such facilities largely disappeared following changing security requirements and evolving airport design priorities.
Supporting future passenger expectations
Industry experts believe publicly accessible outdoor spaces can improve passenger satisfaction by offering opportunities to relax before boarding or during longer airport visits.
Airport officials said the terraces are designed for a broad range of users, including passengers, families meeting arriving travellers, aviation enthusiasts and local residents seeking a public gathering space.
By integrating outdoor environments into both landside and airside areas of its new terminal, Pittsburgh International Airport is positioning itself among a small number of airports globally that are redefining airport infrastructure through wellness-focused design, community accessibility and an enhanced passenger journey.
No comments yet