A US airport with a sky-high renovation budget has reopened its main terminal with some unique upgrades. You won't even have to travel to your destination to enjoy the feeling of being in nature or meet some furry friends. The main terminal at the Portland International Airport (PDX) is welcoming travelers back in style following a $2.
15 billion renovation, according to the New York Post . Arriving and departing passengers alike will notice that they spent a lot of green on some greenery. The airport is now home to an indoor forest that includes touches of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic landscapes.
Think live trees and plants with natural light coming in through a wooden roof to emulate a real forest canopy. Read more in airports If the goal is to put passengers more at ease by creating a state of calmness, it might just do the travel trick . By the time renovation is complete, there will be more than 5,000 plants, all of which will be suspended from the ceiling and below the trees.
This is with the intention of giving the "look and feel of a regional forest," according to a press release. Their 49 skylights will cut down on electrical lighting and energy use per square foot by half. Most read in Travel “Every part of the new terminal design aims to enhance the traveler journey and reduce stress,” said ZGF Architects Managing Partner Sharron van der Meulen in a statement.
He added that people will enjoy expansive views of the airfield, plenty of natural light, and "lush" interior landscapes. Every decorative detail was also strategically - and sustainably - planned. All of the wood used for the airport terminal was sourced from within 300 miles of the airport, according to a press release from the airport.
The ceiling even came from over ten family-owned , non-profit, and Tribal forests. They were all certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which sets forest management standards. Passengers will also be greeted by some four-legged creatures .
"The llamas and alpacas visit PDX to soothe and delight travelers as part of the airport’s broader pet therapy program,” said Allison Ferre, media relations manager with the Port of Portland, which runs PDX, told CNN. She said they will stop by the terminal a couple of times every month. The airport also features artwork made by a local artist whose six landscapes, inspired by the Pacific Northwest, are featured on two video walls throughout their TSA checkpoints.
The walls even sync with "real-time data," so the scenes change on a daily basis based on factors such as time and weather. “Our focus throughout this entire project was: How do we reflect the pride and love we all have for the region in the new PDX?” Curtis Robinhold, executive director for the Port of Portland, said in a statement. Read More on The US Sun The second part of the expansion is expected to be finished in early 2026.
This phase will feature permanent exit lanes, meet-and-greet areas, and more shopping and dining options..
