Client

Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (Tampa International Airport)

Location

Tampa, FL

Expertise

Aviation

Services

Architecture, Interior Design, Experiential Design and Wayfinding

Due to increased passenger volumes, Tampa International Airport was experiencing overcrowding in the airport’s baggage claim area. Additionally, the baggage claims’ close proximity to the elevator/escalators was causing bottlenecks, and poor lighting further added to passenger discomfort. Gresham Smith designed a renovation to the existing bag claim area, and created a new wayfinding system for the 20,000-square-foot bag claim addition. The smart solution led to vast improvements—so much so that JD Power & Associates cited TPA’s baggage claim as one of the areas that provides the highest level of service to TPA passengers.

a woman standing at a carousel in the baggage claim area at Tampa International Airport
the tile and carpet pattern in the baggage claim area at Tampa International Airport

We provided design, baggage consulting and engineering services for the interior renovation of all existing bag claim areas and the replacement of all bag claim units. The renovation was constructed in phases to allow the terminal building to remain operational, since baggage claims used by every airline were affected.

Additionally, the wayfinding system we designed for the bag claim addition included digital signage, with a cohesive design that introduces consistency and larger, easier-to-read graphics while also reinforcing airport branding. In addition to the permanent wayfinding system, the team also designed a multi-phased, temporary wayfinding program, uniquely developed to meet passengers’ needs during construction.