An airport on display

Display and function are a pair of conflicting concepts. The thesis focuses on displaying a sequence of functional spaces which are commonly not exposed to the eyes of the public, in this case, a general aviation airport. The greatest challenge over the course of the study was how to create displayable spaces without overlooking basic functional programs and deepen both concepts in the process.

The airport is designed to fulfill the dual attributes of display and function. It is an aircraft museum, displaying the behind-the-scenes system from arriving, to maintaining, to towing, to parking, and to departing. As well, it is a fully-functional airport, consisting of a sequence of functional spaces, including: runway, taxi area, maintenance hangar, towing corridor, parking spots, and auxiliary spaces.

In the context of the thesis, "display" means to expose the elements - aircraft and air travel - as an exhibit to be viewed or to be noticed by the public through spatial organization and scales of engagement.