Matt Findlay will leverage his extensive experience in Populous’ global stadia projects alongside his expertise in terminal design to craft human-centric passenger spaces, where moments of connection can be shared, much like in the seating bowl of a sports event or concert.

With over 30 years of architectural experience, Matt has worked on high-profile aviation projects across the Asia Pacific (APAC), specializing in commercial and retail design.

As a Principal Designer and the ANZ Head of Aviation at Populous, Matt has overseen the design of terminal, operations, and cargo facilities, from regional airports to major international hubs.

His design philosophy centers around shaping airport terminals from the inside out, ensuring the building reflects the user’s experience.

“Airports are all about people. The passenger experience within the terminal environment is a primary factor in an airport’s success so the design focus needs to go beyond the statement the building makes upon arrival and extend into the terminal itself,” Mr Findlay said.

“Airports are unlike many other buildings because of the emotions they carry – from busy and stressful business travellers to elated and joyful holiday makers. The terminal has a role to play in increasing or decreasing these emotions.

“Passenger-led insights are essential in guiding the way I design with a homogeneous synergy between all functions, spatial elements and activities that create exteriors that transport people into the local culture and interiors that are immersive connections to their destination.”

Based out of Populous’ Melbourne, Australia studio, Matt has held several leadership positions in the project, executive, client management and business development phases for major airport projects across the region.

Populous’ Co-Managing Director, APAC Richard Breslin said Matt’s transport background would compliment the Aviation team’s passenger-focused offering to clients.

“We are excited that Matt has joined us.  With our aviation business continuing to expand, Matt brings an intimate understanding of the sector that marries so seamlessly with our strong sports history of bringing people together in the places they love to be,” Mr Breslin said.

FROM A PROCESS TO AN EXPERIENCE – REDEFINING THE MODERN TERMINAL

Matt believes that design elements, often found in sports and entertainment industries, can transform the passenger experience. By applying these concepts, he envisions a fresh, untapped commercial ecosystem for airport operators.

“Kansai International Airport in Japan is in the process of reconfiguring the domestic and international areas, including moving landside and airside boundaries to meet growth in visitation, new traveller profiles as well as make the terminal experience more free-flowing and enjoyable for everyone. New and expanded retail offerings, better and larger amenities, ease of processing, tailored passenger journeys and crafted spatial experiences are at the centre of decreasing stress and increasing passenger joy,” Mr Findlay said.

When every aspect of the airport ecosystem is designed to guide people in the most natural way, it creates a seamless flow that feels effortless, ultimately making passenger processing smoother and more efficient for operators.

Mr Findlay said similarities between this approach and Populous designed sports parks such as Kai Tak Sports Park, which will open in Hong Kong in March, are clear to see.

“Inviting public spaces were prioritised right from the early stages of the design of the Sports Park, emphasising side-by-side user experience and commercial opportunities,” Mr Findlay said.  

“This not only encourages repeat visits, but it ensures that venue operators are able to guide visitors seamlessly to the specific locations in the Park where they will derive the most value for themselves and operators.” 

POPULOUS’ AVIATION PRACTICE

Populous’ APAC Aviation team is currently overseeing the redevelopment of Kansai International Airport, one of the world’s most unique and beautiful transport hubs, set to open in March 2025 ahead of the Osaka Expo in Japan. Recent projects also include Clark International Airport in the Philippines, which was honored with the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airport award in 2023.

In recent years, Populous has broadened its focus to designing spaces where people love to gather, expanding beyond stadia, arenas, and convention centers to include transport infrastructure.

Populous’ aviation practice is a natural extension of the firm’s expertise: creating exceptional customer experiences that foster growth for our clients. The firm offers a range of services, including architecture, planning, interior design, public art selection, wayfinding, graphics, branding, and technology integration, transforming airports into destinations in their own right.

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