As managing principal of Scott Associates Architects, a company of aviation specialists with experience building more than 30 airports in 15 countries, I have come to recognise what airports mean to a place and its people — its values and aspirations. Some are purely functional, which is sufficient for less-travelled jurisdictions, some are state-of-the-art destinations unto themselves, and some are barely able to sustain traffic — outdated at best and falling apart at worst.

An airport projects a country’s self-image to the world. A beautiful airport can inspire confidence and admiration, but an outdated, decrepit one does neither, and in Bermuda’s case is entirely inconsistent with the island’s global brand and identity.

From the Caribbean to Dubai, islands around the world, big and small, are building new airports not only to improve travellers’ experiences of their countries but also to boost economic activity. They have a vision to build a better airport to reflect their bigger aspirations.

Bermuda’s competitors in the Caribbean are investing in their infrastructure to grow business and leisure travel as these traditionally tourist-focused islands modernise their economies. Most recently, the island of Curaçao announced plans for a terminal expansion project to accommodate expected demand for air service capacity with a new jet bridge and arrivals corridor, plus additional commercial space for revenue to support their investment. There are many factors that go into designing a great airport, and so many are “behind the scenes” details that travellers do not see — and that’s the point. A seamless and painless passenger experience is both a new airport’s design goal and the minimum expectation among today’s travellers, young or old. Efficiency is a necessary starting point when designing an airport, but the new standard that makes travel easier — even a pleasure — are the features. Weekend travellers don’t want to be inconvenienced unnecessarily and businesses choose to do business in locations that are easily accessible. Customer satisfaction is essential to any business — the business of travel is not any different.

In Bermuda, we are striving to build an airport facility that will exceed expectations and will facilitate travel to the island. Under Aecon’s umbrella and in hand-in-hand with OBM International, we bring to this project an extensive understanding of this airport’s unique needs, taking into account the perspectives of public sector stakeholders, airlines, tenants and users. We have proven results in the planning, design and construction of cost-effective airports, using a balance of aesthetics and function, economy and sustainability, and durability and quality.

Design decisions have been made in consultation with input from people across Bermuda, including some of the island’s best talent, and we’re so excited to share the results in the coming weeks. Over time, as design evolves, you will see that we have gone to great lengths to create a Bermudian aesthetic and ambience — warm and welcoming — reflecting local culture and architecture, but enhanced with modern conveniences and materials. We are working with our project partners on an intelligent design that will incorporate the island’s natural resources and, whenever possible, we aim to enhance sustainability. Retail opportunities will be maximised without affecting basic functionality so that this airport can deliver a premium commercial offering as much as a seamless transportation node.

The design of the new terminal is also flexible and modular so that it does not result in a short-term solution, solving one of the biggest problems of the existing passenger terminal. Even with extensive, costly repair and maintenance — a waste of money because the buildings are already on borrowed time — the present facility can never be the airport that Bermuda needs for today or tomorrow. It was built a long time ago and served its purpose well to meet demand at the time. However, it cannot accommodate today’s demand for service and quality; and it certainly will not be able to meet tomorrow’s.

The new passenger terminal will feature technologically advanced building design, supportive of Bermuda’s next phase as an international tourist and business destination. A better airport can mean more routes from airlines, increasing the accessibility of the island to even more travellers. New IT systems, electronics and technologies installed to facilitate processing and other functions, from the check-in process to secure baggage handling, security screening and document control, will make Bermuda an attractive option for frequent travellers.

The collaboration process for this project has been commended already by David Stewart, head of airport development at International Air Transportation Association, who has remarked that this project has been exemplary in this respect.

So many people of Bermuda have been instrumental in making the island’s vision a reality, and you will be proud of what is planned.

Stay tuned for new designs to be unveiled very soon and details on where you can learn more about Bermuda’s new, and first purpose-built, airport.

Darija Scott is the managing principal of Scott Associates Architects, a consultant to Aecon Concessions in the redevelopment of L.F. Wade International Airport