Philadelphia International Airport's (PHL) holdroom at Gate D1 has been under renovation to incorporate several design enhancements to improve the passenger experience. This project serves as a pilot to inform the future design to improve the guest experience throughout Terminals D and E. The Capital Development worked collaboratively with the Guest Experience team on the pilot project that was completed in November 2022.

The refresh program was developed by architectural lead HOK in 2022 in partnership with Guest Experience to accomplish two goals: increase charging stations for passengers and enhance holdroom area finishes. The elements identified for improvement included ceilings, lighting, exterior wall, interior wall, furniture layout and flooring.  The Guest Experience team identified furnishings, which helped inform the work of the electrical contractor, Armour, and the outlet layout designer, D’Jack Consulting. Guest Experience provided feedback and consistent guidance to maintain aesthetic alignment with the project design, which was done by Sowinski Sullivan. The project team shares that “Having reliable access to charging ports should have a significant impact on the passenger experience. Beyond that, the space feels brighter, cleaner, more open, and generally more pleasant to be in since the refresh.”

Additional improvements as part of the holdroom refresh program include painted walls, ceilings, railings, new tile thresholds, column bases, and new carpet. Design for the refresh of other holdrooms in Terminals D and E will begin in the second quarter of 2023, with construction anticipated to start in 2024.