The Hospidential Experience: 5 Ways an Airport Increased My Awareness of the Power of Design
Written by Cristina Villalón
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Cristina Villalón is the Co-Founder, CEO & Director of Interior Design of AD&V®.
AIRPORTS ARE OFTEN CHAOTIC AND STRESSFUL PLACES WHERE TIME SLOWS DOWN IN THE LEAST PLEASANT WAYS.
However, my layover at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offered me an experience that was completely different – one that shifted my perception of what an airport could be.
It was my first experience at an airport with what I describe as “Hospidential” design, an intentional blend of hospitality and residential, human-centered design that provides an experience unlike any I’ve experienced at other airports.
Here are five ways this incredible space increased my awareness of the power of design:
1. A PEACEFUL AMBIANCE THAT REDUCES STRESS
I noticed it immediately upon arrival. The terminal was peaceful, noticeably quiet, almost serene. A sign proclaimed “A Quiet Airport” – and it truly was. Unlike most airports with constant overhead announcements, SFO had no loudspeakers blaring.
Instead, boarding announcements were made discreetly at the gates, allowing the terminal to feel less like a transit hub and more like a peaceful, thoughtfully curated space. This reduced stress and set the tone for a calm experience. I could sense my nervous system instantly relaxing.
2. SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS & BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Wandering further into the terminal, I was struck by the sustainable materials, the air quality, and the biophilic design that surrounded me. It felt comfortable, balanced, and welcoming, like stepping into a calming hotel rather than an airport.
Plants softened the space, and the air felt fresh thanks to a high-quality filtration system. It was abundantly clear that every aspect of this airport had been carefully thought through, right down to the sustainable materials that exuded quality and intention.
3. LEED PLATINUM CERTIFICATION - A COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Upon experiencing the space, it was not surprising to see it had received a LEED Platinum certification – the highest standard for sustainable building practices. Having certified our offices LEED Platinum ourselves, I know firsthand how much effort goes into a LEED-certified building, and seeing this level of intentionality at the airport was impressive.
It didn’t just look good; it felt good. Every detail worked together to create a cohesive experience, from the lighting and materials to the layout of workstations and water refilling stations conveniently placed throughout the terminal.
4. INTUITIVE, FUNCTIONAL WORKSPACES
As I walked, I saw a robot making coffee – a whimsical touch that catered to the tech-savvy crowd. It wasn’t just a gimmick; it was an efficient, innovative way of catering to travelers’ needs. And the workstations! They were intuitive, well-placed, and functional, providing a perfect environment for those needing to focus. Every design decision seemed rooted in both form and function, and it felt as if the space anticipated my needs before I even knew what they were.
Robot making coffee in SFO airport.
5. THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL DESIGN ON THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE
I found myself considering how much of an impact design has on us in spaces like these – spaces that most of us see as merely functional.
Here, intentional, human-centered design transformed the typically rushed and impersonal airport experience into something enjoyable, even soothing. When the time came to board my flight, I felt a twinge of disappointment, not quite wanting to leave this relaxing venue. It was a profound reminder that design doesn’t just shape spaces; it shapes how we feel and experience the world.
SFO airport boarding gates.
GREAT DESIGN ISN’T JUST SEEN – IT’S FELT
This experience taught me to be more mindful of the spaces around me, to pause and examine how design impacts our everyday lives. Designers ultimately create experiences, and intentionality is key. In a world where we are constantly moving, often without time to stop and appreciate the details, experiencing a well-designed space is like taking a breath. The “Hospidential” concept at SFO showed me firsthand the power of design to elevate even the most functional spaces into environments that nurture, inspire, and calm us.
FURTHER READING: 3 WAYS TO DESIGN FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: AD&V’S HOLISTIC APPROACH