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IMovedYourCheese t1_iuekqc3 wrote

It isn't just airports. Any place that is designed for crowds and gets lots of foot traffic has such architecture. Think hotel lobbies, atriums, office building lobbies, big box retail stores, convention centers. It helps with air flow and makes the space feel more roomy.

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JeffSergeant t1_iuf9w1m wrote

Definitely helps feeling roomier, imagine being in a zig-zag queue for checkin in standard room ceilings, just thinking of it makes me claustrophobic.

I guess it also helps with navigation; you can put signs up higher for greater visibility

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CavemanRobot t1_iufrytr wrote

Just go to O'hare if you want to try that.

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tsunami141 t1_iufsfky wrote

All customs areas at smaller international airports lol.

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zz_z t1_iugsz7q wrote

I've been in some small countries customs where it's just a standard 8' drop ceiling with like 3,000 people queued up, definitely feels super claustrophobic.

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upcyclingtrash t1_iuia1g2 wrote

Seattle-Tacoma airport has that when you arrive and you're standing in line to go through passport control

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kenwongart t1_iugxbj9 wrote

The London Underground would like a word

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simanthropy t1_iuhqgh8 wrote

The same London Underground that draws complaints for being too hot and claustophobic?

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WritingTheRongs t1_iuipria wrote

plus they have these giant pistons that keep ramming air in and out...aka the trains themselves.

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jeeptravel t1_iui09kg wrote

Helsinki airport has been making lots of renovations, and some of the new sections of the airport are just horrible. Tiny little hallways with short ceilings. It feels like an old middle school instead of a new airport. If there’s more than 3 people in line at any of the shops, then they’re blocking the walking paths for people trying to get to their gates.

For a city that’s planned pretty well, the designers really dropped the ball on the airport

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