comfort and interest to the traveler. I went to Albuquerque a couple of months ago for
business, and an unexpected thing I found at the airport there and loved was that they
had an observation deck. It had a great view of the tarmac and of the mountains in the
distance. Finding this observation deck was such an exciting thing (especially because
I'm an aviation enthusiast!). With SA having so many military bases as well as the best
flying weather in the country, why wouldn't we want to show off such a key factor that
defines our city?
- dining options - I have to admit, I think SA does a great job at this and I hope that as the
airport expands, SAT will continue to host local eateries within the terminals. A few
weeks ago, I ate at La Gloria with a non-SA friend who was visiting. Although we didn't
get a change to visit the Pearl location, the airport one still was able to offer local cuisine
to travelers and locals who didn't get to make the stop while they were in town. In
addition to local eateries, it would be great if local coffeeshops and bakeries could show
up too! I can envision myself in the future sitting at a Local Coffee, Rosella Coffee Co. or
Bakery Lorraine in the airport while I am waiting for my next flight. Any why don't we
have a Mexican baked goods in the airport yet? Cafecito and a concha could make
anyone's morning! There is one thing I do want to see back in the airport - Whataburger!!!
- an updated airport traffic control tower - again, it's one of the first and last things you
see. Think of the ATC tower as an extension of the downtown skyline. Our ATC isn't
unique, I have seen plenty of airports with the same one. Let's add some SA flair to it!
-public art - it totally transforms the space and the way people interact with it! [Every
time] I go into Terminal A, I see someone talking a photo of Plexus C18 by Gabriel Dawe.
However the suitcase circle in Terminal B is interesting, but not as engage and fun. And
don't just showcase well known artists, show some local work too whether it be from a
local artists, student group, etc.
The next couple of points I would like to bring up have more to do with the architecture
side of things, but are important in shaping our identity! I hope to see SAT committed to
sustainability.
- conservation - its important that SAT features high performance building develop and
low-flow fixtures in order to combat high temperatures and minimize our water usage
- materials & resources - recycled materials used all around reduces waste and makes
great use of otherwise unused parts. Regional materials and resources should be use
implemented to reduce environmental impacts from excessive transportation.
- energy & atmosphere - we have a lot of sun, so lets make use of it! Generating sunlight
to electricity can produce a good portion of the building's overall energy.
- air quality - our Texas air is relatively clean. Let us embrace our air and have good indoor
air quality as well. This can be improved through use of the correct entry systems, CO2
monitors, indoor pollutant control and outdoor air filtration. Materials should have a low-
VOC content to improve air quality.
I also have to compliment SAT on a few things:
- cleanliness - What a beautiful and clean airport we have! I'm always proud to know that
our airport is very clean and maintained. Travelers definitely enjoy the little luxuries of a
clean space!
- friendly staff - keeping up the SA love!