How architects design airports to handle long security lines
April 15, 2026
Jeff Mechlem, Ãë²¥¡¯s airport sector leader, explains the importance of designing airports with flexibility in this Fast Company article
Airports are increasingly incorporating design features that help manage major fluctuations in security lines.
Jeff Mechlem,?Ãë²¥¡¯s airport sector leader,?explains?how?reducing the number of columns and permanent walls in?wide-open areas?supports?the?security pipeline. These adaptations allow?airports to accommodate?changing equipment and technologies,?and?help with?the configuration of queues.
Stantec¡¯s work at?Houston¡¯s?George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Terminal Redevelopment?and?Denver International Airport?showcases?the ability to?make?space in central processing areas?for security lines to spread out¡ªwithout?impacting bag-drop and check-in counters.?
An operational buffer?separates?each function, allowing lines to extend?past their usual footprint.?Usually, these?buffer zones?seamlessly?blend into the landside space of the airport, like wide concourses.?
While some?wait time?is inevitable,?architecture?can?drive a?more?pleasant, stress-relieving experience, says?Mechlem.
