Kiku Obata & Company

LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B marks a transformative milestone for one of the nation’s most prominent and busiest airports. Central to this redevelopment was an intuitive signage and wayfinding system, designed to guide travelers effortlessly through the terminal’s expansive spaces.

Spanning 1.3 million square feet, Terminal B features an 850,000-square-foot Arrivals and Departures Hall, two island concourses, and pedestrian bridges connecting key areas. The $5.1 billion project is the largest public-private partnership in U.S. aviation history. Stewart Steeves, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, described it as possibly the “most complex aviation project anywhere ever,” as the old terminal remained fully operational during construction.

The terminal’s design emphasizes transparency, fluidity, and a strong civic presence with monumental spaces for both departures and arrivals. Kiku Obata & Company was commissioned early in the architectural process to lead wayfinding and signage design, including traveler mapping, message schedules, location plans, and signage design. The team collaborated extensively with HOK (Lead Architect), WSP (Lead Engineer), and the New York Port Authority. The project required Kiku Obata & Company  to adapt Port Authority signage standards to meet the terminal’s complex wayfinding needs and technological requirements. All design work was executed in REVIT, allowing seamless collaboration among the 500-person design team for this fast-track project.

The goal was to create a signage system that aligned with the terminal’s architectural elegance while providing clear, accessible information for diverse travelers of all abilities. This user-centric system enhances navigation from curbside to gate, reducing stress and elevating passenger satisfaction. In addition to signage and wayfinding, Kiku Obata & Company created the overall strategy, criteria, and locations for a comprehensive artwork program – helping to define the sense of place. Iconic feature elements were developed to guide travelers, serve as landmarks, and enhance visual interest throughout the passenger journey.

The cohesive integration of signage with the terminal’s design reflects a commitment to transforming complex spaces into accessible and welcoming environments, setting a new standard for airport terminals worldwide.

LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B has been named the 2023 World’s Best New Airport Terminal by Skytrax, based on a passenger survey. It’s the first terminal in North America to receive Skytrax’s prestigious 5-Star Airport Terminal Rating.