interior

The interiors of public areas should be developed to reinforce the dual components of Land and Flight against a
neutral background. Passenger areas at the terminal and concourses give the most immediate impressions to
arriving and departing passengers. A coordinated palette of forms, materials and colors can not only create a
pleasant and appropriate environment, but handled properly can aid in wayfinding and help put passengers at ease
in what is often a stressful activity.

Interior Design Vocabulary: Interior passenger areas should reinforce and juxtapose the design continuity
elements of Flight and the Land (see Illustration 8).

Ceiling/Fascias – Relate to Flight

Fixtures, details and forms express
lightness, movement, technology;
less durability required.
Colors: light neutral with silver
accents.

Vertical Surfaces – Neutral

Minimal pattern; durable, low-
maintenance.
Color: Warm, medium to light
neutral

Floor/Base – Related to the Land

Tactile; patterns of landscape; highly
durable
Color: rich, deep earth tones

Interior Design Vocabulary Illustration 8

Page 7 The Eastern Iowa Airport Design Continuity Guidelines

Materials and Colors: The overall approach to colors and textures in the interior is deliberately fairly muted, but
relatively “temporary” interior finishes nevertheless offer an opportunity for somewhat bolder expression of color
and pattern than do the more permanent exterior finishes. See Illustration 9. Floor and base surfaces should relate
to the colors and patterns of the Eastern Iowa landscape, especially the patchwork of agricultural fields, interlaced
with natural features, as seen from the air. As passengers relate most closely with materials in these areas, the tactile
qualities should be carefully considered. These materials must be especially durable as they are impacted both by
passengers and maintenance equipment. Vertical surfaces shall be relatively neutral, off-white to light tan in color,
and serving as a backdrop for base elements related to the Land, and upper or ceiling elements related to Flight.
These areas also serve as a backdrop for art, advertising and non-wayfinding signs. Patterns in this area should be
simple, straightforward, and minimal. Wall surfaces where they can be contacted by passengers or their baggage
must be durable and low-maintenance. The ceiling areas should be light in color, with “indirect” up-lighting
lighting where possible. The soffits that surround major portions of the terminal interior spaces should be kept a
light, neutral color with signage only where needed (see Illustration 10). This horizontal soffit band may be
interrupted in locations where doing so might enhance wayfinding (creating a “portal”, for example, at the security
checkpoint).

Interior Colors and Materials Illustration 9

Page 8 The Eastern Iowa Airport Design Continuity Guidelines

Forms: In addition to materials, interior forms can help reinforce the overall concept. Base elements should convey
a strong, anchoring image. Ceiling elements are somewhat less constrained by durability requirements, and offer
opportunities for for expression, with curved or angular forms being possible using relatively inexpensive materials.
Manipulation of ceiling planes, forms, light fixtures and materials can evoke flight, movement and technology.
Higher ceiling areas, or those with contrasting materials or forms or special lighting, can create focal points that can
aid with wayfinding or otherwise enhance the passenger experience. In general, up-lighting of ceiling surfaces
where possible will create a greater sense of “lightness” (in the sense of not seeming heavy), a greater sense of
height, as well as providing a better overall quality of light.

Focal Points: To aid with wayfinding and for general visual interest, focal points can be developed at numerous
locations within the terminal. These may be art installations, or iconic enhancements in keeping with the
Land/Flight theme at such locations as information booths or directories. They may be deliberate efforts to
enhance wayfinding by highlighting, for example, the security checkpoint or the circulation leading down to the
parking connector. Dynamic forms suggestive of movement and flight will be particularly appropriate for these
installations.

Signs: Signs that give primary wayfinding information (directing to Ticketing, Aircraft Gates, Baggage Claim,
Security, etc.) should be consistent in design, color and layout, and readily distinguishable from other signs that
provide secondary information, such as for retail or restaurant functions. The signs are to be blue (specific color to
be determined) with white lettering, with the design and layout to follow that established with the design on the
Concourse ‘B’ Expansion. The horizontal bands of soffits should not be treated as principally signage bands, but
rather as elements of the ceiling with signs mounted where needed.

Interior Signs Illustration 10

Page 9 The Eastern Iowa Airport Design Continuity Guidelines