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Portland airport expansion embraces biophilic design and natural heritage

Portland International Airport by ZGF Architects. Photography by Ema Peter, US

US – ZGF Architects has unveiled its expansion plan for Portland International Airport’s main terminal, continuing a collaboration that dates back to 1965. The renovation, which will double the size of the original 1958 floor plan, will merge nine previously separated buildings under one expansive roof, enhancing passenger comfort and reducing stress through biophilic design.

The terminal’s interior, designed to evoke an Oregon forest, will feature a 36,420-square-metre timber roof with 49 skylights and extensive glass windows, allowing natural light to flood the space. Endemic trees and more than 5,000 plants will line the wayfinding pathways, transforming routine travel processes into a tranquil, nature-inspired experience.

Constructed using sustainably sourced local wood, the expansion will support regional economies and sustainable forestry practices. ‘The terminal crafts a narrative of the locally sourced wood and targets user wellbeing,’ noted the architects.

For more insights on the future of airports, head to our analysis of The Airports Bringing Humanity Back into Travel.

Strategic opportunity

Prioritise the use of locally sourced, sustainable materials in construction or renovation projects, aligning your brand with eco-friendly practices and supporting local economies

Playmobil celebrates 50 years with life-sized artistic interpretations

Playmobil, Germany

Germany – To mark its 50th anniversary, toy manufacturer Playmobil has commissioned 10 artists to re-imagine its iconic figurines in a striking new way. In a departure from the brand’s signature 7.5cm smiling characters, these special models stand at an impressive 1.5m tall, offering a larger-than-life canvas for creative expression.

The art project, curated by Hikmet Sugör – owner of sneaker brand Sonra and a creative force in various brand collaborations – invited a diverse group of artists to put their spin on the beloved Playmobil figures. Among the contributors are Thomas Marecki, Bünyamin Aydin, street artist Hera (Jasmin Siddiqui) and Ferdi Porsche, founder of the motor sport-inspired community brand FAT International.

The resulting artworks will be showcased at Berlin’s Beinghunted Gallery for a two-week exhibition that opened on 30 August. After the exhibition, the pieces will be auctioned on eBay, with all proceeds benefiting Save the Children Germany eV, an organisation dedicated to protecting and advocating for children’s rights globally. This initiative not only celebrates Playmobil’s legacy but also highlights the brand’s commitment to social responsibility, a topic we explore further in Is Essentialism the Future of Branding?

Strategic opportunity

Collaborate with creatives from outside of your sector, not only to expand your brand footprint but also to give your product or service a fresh look

Collaborative retail space for new designers to open in Wales

UK – A new micro-retail destination in Wales is offering small, emerging brands a pathway from pop-up shops to full-scale retail. Co.Lab, a collaboration between Lone Design Club and real estate giant Landsec, will open its first location in Cardiff’s St David’s shopping centre at the end of September 2024. The 5,000-square-feet space will host more than 80 direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, offering short-term leases to help them test the waters of physical retail.

‘This is the first time anyone’s executed a project like this in the UK,’ said Rebecca Morter, founder and CEO of Lone Design Club. Co.Lab aims to revolutionise the retail experience by fostering a community-focused environment where brands can learn and grow.

Landsec brand director Ilana Sarner added: ‘We’re opening up an opportunity for an exciting new pipeline and offering our guests a new point of discovery.’ Co.Lab will be in Cardiff until at least Christmas, and there are plans for future locations across the UK.

In World Retail Congress 2024: Community Commerce, we highlight how similarly innovative retailers are reshaping the landscape by fostering community engagement, inclusivity and social impact.

Pitch Studios for The Future Laboratory, UK

Strategic opportunity

Identify and repurpose underutilised retail spaces in your area to create community-driven micro-retail hubs that support emerging brands, fostering a new retail eco-system

Stat: American Gen Z feel unprepared for the adult world

Woo, UK

US – The Walton Family Foundation and Gallup have released the 2024 Voices of Gen Z Study, providing a comprehensive look at the sentiments of one of the most closely watched generations. This year’s findings highlight a mix of optimism and concern among Gen Z in the US as they navigate their formative years.

According to the study, while 79% of Gen Z feel optimistic about their future, only 51% believe they are fully prepared for it. This generation are characterised by a strong commitment to meaningful engagement in work and education, with an increasing desire to contribute to their communities and live purposeful lives. But their optimism is tempered by a significant gap in perceived readiness for the challenges ahead.

The research underlines the pressing need for education systems to better equip students with real-world experiences and practical skills. Mental health also remains a critical issue, with just 21% of respondents reporting excellent mental health. Many Gen Zers feel unprepared for adult responsibilities, such as managing finances or buying a home, with only 46% and 31% feeling confident in these areas, respectively. You can learn more about Gen Z behaviour in Gen Z Now and Next: From Vision to Contradiction.

Strategic opportunity

As a business you can offer reassurance to future employees by creating mentorship, training and skills development workshops that offer students practical real-life skills