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AirportImprovement.com      May | June 2026
TERMINALS 
CID
of our history into the terminal,” says Lenss, noting that the 
functional artwork retains the natural outer edges of the trees. 
Such sense of place was intentional in the architectural design, 
says Dubbe. “The most successful airports hold up a mirror to 
their community,” he comments. “People take pride in seeing 
themselves reflected in their airport.”
Perhaps the most striking architectural features of the 
modernized terminal are dramatic light-filled spaces that anchor 
key transition points for travelers within the concourse. “One 
oculus is at the recomposure area of the security screening 
checkpoint and gates 1, 2 and 3, and the other is in the concourse 
near gates 10, 11, 12 and 14,” Lenss says. 
The oculi serve multiple purposes: adding 
natural daylight, enhancing wayfinding 
and creating social spaces adjacent to 
concessions. “People can sit at a table or the 
bar and have full view of three or four bridges,” 
Lenss remarks. “That reduces traveler stress 
because they can keep an eye on their gate 
while enjoying something to eat or drink.”
The circular openings in the ceiling were 
designed with both symbolic and practical 
intent. “The yellow polycarbonate material is 
symbolic of the sun but also cuts down on 
direct overhead harsh light,” Dubbe describes. 
“Frequent flyers can track the time and 
seasons as light moves across the various 
floors and walls.”
Passenger-Centered Amenities 
and Spaces
Across the terminal, customer comfort drove 
design and engineering decisions. Restrooms 
were significantly expanded and modernized to 
accommodate passengers leaving and arriving 
on larger aircraft. Seating options in holdrooms 
were diversified to reflect changing traveler 
demographics and preferences. “Gone are the 
days of a sea of beam seats being your only 
option,” Dubbe says. “The integration of beam 
seats, soft seats and standing tables provides 
choices.”
Before the recent modernization project, 
most gate seating at CID was designed 
around 50-seat aircraft. “Our airline partners 
have upgauged their aircraft, so expanded 
gatehold seating throughout the terminal was 
essential,” Lenss notes.
Other passenger-focused additions include 
a sensory room for travelers seeking a quieter 
space, multiple nursing lounges, device 
charging options throughout the terminal 
and two post-checkpoint patios, each with a 
service animal relief area.
The larger patio, located near the west end of the concourse, 
offers expansive views of the airfield and Iowa sunsets. “It gives 
people an opportunity to go outside before a long journey,” Lenss 
says. The airport has a stadium license that allows it to serve food 
and beverages outdoors.
New and expanded post-security concessions represent a 
major shift from the terminal’s previous configuration, where most 
food and retail offerings were located landside. “That was a big 
gap before the project,” Lenss notes.
Now, full-service dining, coffee kiosks and other grab-and-go 
options are strategically integrated into the concourse—particularly 
Innovative designs for 
the future.
meadhunt.com/aviation
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