In a major step towards improving the airport experience for all travellers, DesignInc Sydney has delivered a transformative upgrade across Sydney Airport’s T1, T2, and T3 terminals.

Spearheaded by Principal Interiors and Project Lead Nathan Humphries, the amenity enhancements prioritise inclusivity, comfort, and functionality. From gender-neutral bathrooms and adult accessible change facilities to parent rooms tailored for real-life family needs, the design sets a new benchmark for user-centric airport environments.

In this exclusive interview, Humphries shares the philosophy, challenges, and design strategies behind creating spaces that offer not just utility, but genuine moments of calm within a bustling travel hub.

Architecture & Design: What were the primary challenges you faced when redesigning the amenities across Sydney Airport’s T1, T2, and T3 terminals?

Nathan Humphries: Airports are complex environments and as such, required thoughtful responses in solving a number of competing challenges— all while maintaining operations in a live aviation setting.
Foremost, our objective was to create an intuitive and consistent user experience across all three terminals.

By looking holistically at the amenity upgrade strategy for over 30 bathrooms, we were able to work within the existing structures and accommodate significant aesthetic and functional upgrades.

New amenities which are part of the passenger journey includes generous circulation spaces, additional basins, toilets, parent rooms, and the like. Usage informed material selection that was tactile yet highly functional and pragmatic which will stand the test of time.

All the while balancing passenger demand across peak and off-peak times, using passenger forecasts to inform the sequence and priority of upgrades.

How did you incorporate passenger feedback into the design of the new facilities, particularly the adult accessible changing areas and gender-neutral bathrooms?

Sydney Airport wanted to set a benchmark as leaders in universal access. This meant accommodating the needs of all passengers in terms of mobility, gender and age.

Engagement by Sydney Airport informed a design response and evolving brief—requirements included informational signage, brail signage, pet relief facilities (for companion animals), adult change facilities, family changerooms and bathrooms, and more.

Sydney Airport’s operations and maintenance teams reviewed and approved all fittings and fixtures based on passenger feedback, allowing for real-time adjustments during the concept and delivery phases. In addition, joinery was prototyped and tested for ergonomics, access and maintenance—the final design was adjusted based on these prototypes.

Could you explain the design philosophy behind creating a more tactile and inclusive environment within the airport amenities?

Airport bathrooms are often sterile, unglamorous environments. Sydney Airport wanted to enhance the passenger experience and improve all touchpoints along the passenger journey from ‘kerb to gate’ with the design intent to achieve a calm and comforting experience.

Specifically, places to ‘slow down and breathe in a moment of an otherwise stressful journey to and through the airport. Warm, simple, timeless, clean and spacious.’ DesignInc have a proud working history with Sydney Airport which extends back over 20 years, a partnership which provided us with a deep understanding of the site’s complexities and ambitions.

In what ways do the upgraded parent rooms go beyond standard offerings to enhance the experience for travelling families?

Thoughtful enhancements ensure a superior experience underscored by comfort, catering to the diverse needs of travelling families. Upgraded parent rooms feature separated feeding spaces with ergonomic chairs and distinct toilet areas for privacy and convenience.

Personalised feature lighting allows families to adjust the ambiance to their preference, while hot and cold water Billi taps and microwaves provide easy access to essential amenities. Low-level lighting creates a calm and soothing atmosphere, catering to passengers who experience sensory challenges.

Touch-free entry systems are a boost for hygiene and security, too. The rooms are designed with both adults and children in mind, featuring fittings at different heights. Acoustic ceilings help control noise levels, and carpet in feeding areas adds to the comfort and warmth of the space.

How did you balance functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics throughout the various stages of the upgrade project?

We were able to achieve a desirable outcome through cohesive engagement, meticulous planning and thoughtful design. Wide and generous circulation spaces were created to ensure ease of movement, while intuitive wayfinding and appropriate lighting levels enhanced the overall user experience.

Accessibility was prioritised at every stage, often exceeding standard requirements to ensure inclusivity. Passenger demand was carefully balanced across peak and off-peak times, with passenger forecasts informing the sequence and priority of upgrades. This approach ensured that the spaces were not only functional and accessible but also aesthetically pleasing, meeting the needs of all users.

This project’s team consisted of Introba, Aurecon, Maynard Design Consultancy & Hicon for Sydney Airport.

Photography by Luc Rémond

Clémence Carayol

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