This airport has a forest growing inside it – plus cute ‘therapeutic’ animals

Forests, llamas and alpacas – oh my!

These aren’t your typical airport finds, but renovations at a US airport terminal are bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside.

Portland International Airport (PDX) officially reopened its main terminal on Wednesday — and the $2.15 billion renovation is far from standard.

Incoming and departing travelers will be faced with a growing forest inside, with touches of greenery and distinctive Pacific Northwest landscaping, including live trees and plants and natural light through the wooden roof to create the effect of a forest canopy .

According to a press release, the new terminal will have more than 5,000 plants by the end of construction, hanging from the ceiling and under the trees to give the look and feel of a regional forest.

Travelers will also have a sense of a “walk in a [Pacific Northwest] shortage” from the 49 rooftops, which will also help reduce the need for electrical lighting and cut energy use per square foot in half, according to the airport.

“Every part of the new terminal design aims to improve the passenger journey and reduce stress,” ZGF Architects Managing Partner Sharron van der Meulen said in a statement. “Passengers are immediately greeted with sweeping views of the airfield, abundant natural light and lush interior landscapes that create a sense of wonder and delight and evoke a walk through a Pacific Northwest forest.”

All of the wood used for the airport terminal is sourced from within 300 miles of the airport, the airport’s release said, and the ceiling, in particular, can be traced to 11 family, non-profit and tribal forests – all of which are certified by the Council Forestry Supervisor, who sets forest management standards and practices ecological forestry.

PDX will also continue to have occasional appearances by “therapeutic” llamas and alpacas, adding to the outdoor experience.

“Llamas and alpacas visit PDX to soothe and comfort travelers as part of the airport’s broader pet therapy program,” Allison Ferre, media relations manager for the Port of Portland, which runs PDX, told CNN. “They usually visit several times a month.â€

The TSA experience has been enhanced to match the outside world as well.

Two video walls across TSA checkpoints combine six PNW-inspired landscapes and vignettes designed by local artist Ivan McClellan. The walls sync with real-time data, so it’s different every day based on time, weather and passenger volume.

“Our focus throughout this project was: How do we reflect the pride and love we all have for the region in the new PDX?’ Curtis Robinhold, executive director for the Port of Portland, said in a statement.

“And that question drove every decision. To work with locally owned small businesses using local materials, to fill the new PDX with local art and shops from our favorite neighborhoods… It was a lot of local love for the Pacific Northwest that made it all happen.”

The expansion is being done in two parts, with the second and final phase starting on Thursday, August. 15, with completion expected in early 2026.

The second phase will also include permanent exit lanes, meet and greet areas and more local shops and restaurants.