A Space to Pause: Exploring the New UPMC Terrace at Pittsburgh International Airport
By: Diaz Gochenour
Travel often involves rushing from one place to the next. At Pittsburgh International Airport’s new UPMC Terrace, visitors are invited to do the opposite.
On July 29, Pittsburgh International Airport unveiled the 36,000-square-foot outdoor space alongside UPMC leaders and county officials. Located on the south side of the airport’s new terminal before security check-in, the space offers travelers, visitors, and airport employees an opportunity to step outside and experience a setting inspired by the landscape of Western Pennsylvania. Walking paths, native plants, gathering areas, and open-air seating create a space that reflects the surrounding region.
For UPMC, supporting the terrace reflects a belief that health is shaped by more than what happens inside a hospital or clinic. The places people spend time every day matter, too.
“The UPMC Terrace is much more than an airport amenity that we put our name on. It is a special community space that reflects the energy, beauty, and spirit of our region,” said James E. Taylor, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief culture, community, and talent management officer, UPMC.
More Than a Waiting Area
Most airport spaces are designed to keep people moving. The UPMC Terrace was designed to give them a reason to pause.
Visitors can take in fresh air before a flight, meet friends and family, or simply spend a few quiet moments outdoors. The space was created as part of Pittsburgh International Airport’s next-generation terminal project and reflects a broader effort to make travel feel more comfortable and welcoming.
Reflecting the Character of the Region
The terrace also helps tell a story about Pittsburgh.
For travelers arriving in Western Pennsylvania, it provides an immediate connection to the area’s natural surroundings. For residents, it serves as a reminder of what makes the region unique, from its rolling hills and river valleys to its enduring sense of community.
As Pittsburgh International Airport continues to reimagine the passenger experience, spaces like the UPMC Terrace demonstrate how public infrastructure can serve a purpose beyond transportation. They can foster connection and reflect the identity of the communities they serve.
Investing in Community Well-Being
UPMC’s support of the terrace aligns with a broader commitment to strengthening the region and improving quality of life. Through partnerships and community investments, UPMC works to help create environments where people can thrive.
The UPMC Terrace is one example of that commitment in action. Whether someone is beginning a journey or returning home, the space offers an opportunity to experience a different side of travel, one that feels welcoming and unmistakably Pittsburgh.
