Concourses

A concourse is a large, open public space designed to facilitate movement and gathering within a building or facility. The term comes from a root meaning to run together or assemble, and it is used across different contexts to describe a circulation spine that connects entrances, functional areas, and amenities.

In airports and transit hubs, concourses are the primary areas where passengers move between security, baggage, gates, and services. They may be designated as landside or airside, and are often linked to terminals by walkways, corridors, or rail connections. Within airport concourses, passengers access gates, shops, restaurants, lounges, and information services, while wayfinding and security controls guide movement through the space. The design aims to optimize wayfinding, throughput, and comfort while accommodating peak flows and accessibility requirements.

In stadiums, arenas, and large public venues, concourses surround the seating bowl and provide access to restrooms, concessions, merchandise, and exits. These spaces support crowd management, sightlines, and spirit of place, serving as areas for gathering before, during, and after events.

Design considerations for concourses include capacity planning, clear wayfinding, accessibility for people with disabilities, safety and emergency egress, acoustics, lighting, climate control, and durable materials. Retrofitting aging facilities or expanding capacity often involves adding or reconfiguring concourses to improve circulation and user experience.

Concourses are thus essential elements in complex buildings, shaping how people move, socialize, and access services within large public environments.