The integration of risk management into the design of the airport metropolis

The role of airports and the management of the space in and around airports have changed considerably since 9-11. The concept of risk and resilience are now dominant themes in the daily management of airlines and airports. In addition, the airport is changing in its urban function. Airport management has also changed significantly in the past decade in Australia as a result of deregulation and privatisation. Airport property is now being developed for retail and commercial outlets, where the products may not remotely be linked to aircraft or aeronautical services. The city airport is becoming the airport city. The concept of the airport metropolis is introduced with reference to how the changing role of the airport impacts risk. The different types of risk including strategic, compliance, operational and economic risk are reviewed with respect to how design can impact risk management strategies. Design can be used as a tool to manage risk at functional, economic, security and aesthetic levels.