Redefining Airport Terminal Design Through Identity Indicators—Case Studies from Airport Terminals in Saudi Arabia

Airport terminals are considered transitional spaces in travelers’ journeys. They tend to be globalized in architectural features, competing to show their superiority by using the latest technologies and contemporary designs, yet it is often forgotten that they are the gateways to their host cities and that they should reflect their identity. This paper aims to investigate the impact of adopting the identity of the host city in the terminal’s design through different identity indicators, asking if it would enhance the user’s experience and motivate the passengers to explore the cultural side of the city. Through the analysis of four major airports in Saudi Arabia, identity indicators in the architectural design and interior settings were explored to understand how identity is reflected in each airport. A questionnaire was distributed to delve more into the impact of these identity indicators on the passengers’ experiences in the different spaces in the four airports. It appeared that these indicators create a sense of attachment and interaction between the users and the spaces, transforming them into places that have the potential to enhance travelers’ journeys and emotions to present a memorable and sustainable cultural user experience, elevating the quality of their trips.