No-frills flying

The terminal, which opened last week ahead of Tokyo’s 2020 Summer Olympic Games, will be used exclusively by low-cost airlines. Creative lab Party were brought in to make the most from a small budget, opting for a sports-themed design that brings life and excitement to what could easily have been a threadbare travel experience. ‘Owing to costs, we could not install the typical moving walkways or illuminated signs,’ says the firm. ‘Instead, to offer an exciting walking experience that is easy on the feet, we implemented running tracks used for track and field, and added signage for user-friendly guidance.’ Japanese lifestyle brand Muji was selected to complement the design, supplying its typically minimalist furnishings.

The Big Picture: See our Innovate on Los Angeles airport’s jaw-dropping phygital terminal as another example of how airport terminals have moved beyond mere transitional zones.