b'TERMINALSMIA 45Important Details clear notices when a restroom is closed Aviation Department leaders want tofor renovation, signage indicates how to enhance the passenger experience fromlocate the nearest open restroom. aircraft to curb (and curb to aircraft).The Communications team also uses The team examined various areas wheresocial media as an additional channel to passengers stop along that path, includingprovide updates. We find that proper what facilities and amenities they usemessaging even in that area goes a and how they could be improved. Notvery long way, Smith says. Internally, all passengers shop or get a bite to eat,the Miami-Dade Aviation Department but most need to use the restroom atholds weekly communication calls one point or another. And as travelersfor Operations, Maintenance and continue to arrive earlier for flights, they areCommunication teams to discuss more likely to use restrooms before theiranything that may affect or disrupt departures.passengers, employees, concessionaires That was theand/or airline partners. area that we felt would really speakFeatures and Enhancementsvolumes about ourLike other facilities and businesses, MIA commitment to ourlearned the value of hands-free features passengers, sayssuch as faucets, urinals, hand dryers Isaac Smith, assistantand paper towel dispensers during the director of FacilitiesISSAC SMITH COVID-19 pandemic. Areas that dont have Management with the Miami-Dadeelectrical service for dryers are receiving Aviation Department. We dont wanthands-free paper towel dispensers. you to just come to the airport and fly off.In addition to eliminating high-touch We want you to come to the airport andsurfaces in restrooms, MIAs Dyson be comfortable; so we pay attention toAirblade V hand dryers reduce the certain details. likelihood of paper towels being flushed The attention and care dedicateddown toilets. From a maintenance to restroom facilities reflects anstandpoint, we really like the hands-free organizations values and priorities,dryers, Smith comments.Smith adds. It says whether a firm paysOne seemingly small change that is attention to detail and is conscious ofproving to be hugely popular are the providing proper accommodations forheavy-duty hooks and handles being their guests. That speaks volumes toadded inside restroom stalls, at changing restrooms throughout concoursesme, he emphasizes.tables and by sinks to hold jackets, purses D, H and J, including all restroomsand bags. Project designers specified on Concourse H. The remainingAmple Communication hardware strong enough to hold 40 35 bathrooms in MIAs three otherThe airports Communications Division sentpounds, ideal for passengers with a heavy concourses (E, F and G) are slated forout a press release to spread the wordbackpack or duffel bag. Your fixtures have renovation by the end of 2024. The thirdabout impending work when the projectto be robust enough to withstand that type and final phase of the programthecontract was awarded in October 2023. Itof load, Smith advises. remaining 139 bathrooms in pre- andalso posted signs near moving walkways, post-security areas on all three levelsischeck-in counters and restrooms thatAccessibility and Inclusivityscheduled between 2025 and 2030.highlight the Modernization In ActionIn addition to separate mens and womens Three contracts were awarded for(M.I.A.) Plan. Airport guests and workersrestrooms, MIA is adding all-gender family design and project management ofcan scan a QR code that links to web pagerestrooms.restrooms to RS&H, EXP and Jacobs. Awith details about the multi-year project.The new options were designed with design manager and a division directorBecause different restrooms areseveral groups of users in mind:from the Miami-Dade Aviation Departmentunder construction each week, MIA isparents or caregivers traveling with are working closely with the consultingprioritizing effective signage and clearopposite-gender children,firms to ensure that renovations arecommunication. Its somewhat of a s olo parents or caregivers with completed according to instructions andmoving target because the areas that wemultiple young children of various expectations. are working on are constantly changing,genders,Smith remarks. In addition to posting AirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2024'