Client: Auckland Airport
Challenge
Auckland Airport needed to improve privacy and security within its international departures screening area without compromising the passenger experience.
Customs officers were positioned with their backs to passengers, allowing travellers waiting in the queue to see sensitive information displayed on screening monitors. The airport wanted to create a more secure working environment for its officers while maintaining the open, welcoming feel expected within a modern international terminal.
The solution also needed to integrate with the airport’s existing infrastructure and accommodate future plans to relocate the screening area, making flexibility an important part of the brief.
Assessment
Working closely with Auckland Airport and the manufacturer, we followed our 5-step safety design process to understand the operational requirements of the space.
Together, we assessed pedestrian movements, sight lines, installation constraints and future operational needs. Rather than recommending an off-the-shelf barrier, the project called for a purpose-designed solution that would provide visual screening, maintain passenger flow and allow the system to be relocated with minimal disruption when the terminal layout changes.
Solution
A custom post-and-panel screening system was developed to create a secure visual barrier between passengers and customs officers while fitting seamlessly into the existing terminal environment.
The slimline, surface-mounted design minimised floor space and trip hazards while integrating with the airport’s existing mounting system. Importantly, the modular system can be easily removed and reinstalled in a new location, providing the flexibility needed for future terminal reconfigurations without requiring a complete replacement.
By working collaboratively throughout the design process, the final solution delivered exactly what the airport required rather than forcing a standard product into a unique environment.
Outcome
Auckland Airport now has a purpose-built screening system that enhances both security and the passenger experience.
Customs officers benefit from greater privacy and protection while handling sensitive information, passengers move through a clean and professional screening environment, and the airport has a future-ready solution that can adapt as its facilities evolve. The project demonstrates how carefully designed infrastructure can solve operational challenges while supporting the long-term needs of a complex, high-traffic environment.
If you’ve got a challenge calling for a unique solution, get in touch for a discussion with our team.
