How do you create flexible, functional spaces inside an active airport terminal? At LaGuardia Airport, multiple NanaWall sliding stacking commercial doors make this possible. The newly completed Atrium Business and Conference Center features a 20,000-square-foot hub designed for meetings, events, and work outside busy waiting areas.
Designed by Lubrano Ciavarra Architects, the dedicated space introduces a shift in how airport environments are used, allowing areas within Terminal B to support a range of functions beyond traditional airport spaces. Let’s take a look at how.
Designing Airport Event and Meeting Spaces with Sliding Stacking Commercial Doors
Why LaGuardia Airport is Evolving Beyond Conventional Terminal Design
The broader goal of the terminal redevelopment was clearly focused on growth and modernization across multiple dimensions, increasing capacity, improving energy efficiency, supporting structural and economic expansion, and enhancing traffic flow and functionality.
There was also a strong emphasis on the guest experience, with more natural daylight, expanded amenities, additional seating and restrooms, and the creation of multi-functional use spaces. The conference center fits directly into that last priority, reflecting a shift toward airport design serving not just as transit hubs, but as versatile, full-service environments.
For business travelers, this introduces a practical advantage. Airports often serve as meeting points for teams traveling from different locations, where schedules are tight and time on the ground is limited. A dedicated conference space makes it possible to meet during layovers or between flights, turning transit time into usable working time.
How Flexible Meeting Spaces Support Events and Work in Airports
To support a wide range of uses, the conference center is organized around five primary meeting rooms, each equipped with two sliding stacking commercial doors. These rooms can open, close, or connect to adjacent spaces, allowing the layout to shift throughout the day.
Several larger rooms, including The GW, The Lincoln, and The Holland, can be divided into two or three sections using interior dividers. In total, the five rooms can be configured into multiple meeting spaces, ranging from 247 to 1,114 square feet and accommodating up to 90 attendees. All rooms are equipped with 85-inch displays, built-in speakers, and wireless microphones, supporting everything from small meetings to large events.
“The NanaWall systems were well-suited to the constraints of this space because they work with the long, narrow floor plan rather than against it. They allow for clean, defined partitions when the space needs to be divided, and when the full floor plan needs to be opened up, the panels tuck away neatly and unobtrusively.” - Judy Hasegawa, Architectural Design Expert
The Sliding Stacking Solution for Modern Airport Design
NanaWall HSW60 sliding stacking commercial doors are used throughout the meeting rooms to support both flexibility and privacy. The 9 feet 5 inches tall systems allow each room to open, close, or connect to adjacent spaces. Top-hung individual panels easily glide and stack out of the way to create large, open areas, or close to create private meeting and event spaces. This allows the space to support different uses throughout the day without the limitations of fixed walls.
“One of the standout qualities was that the systems look exceptional regardless of their configuration. Unlike many movable partition systems that can appear visually bulky when open, the NanaWall panels — with their stunning glazing in this project — remain aesthetically beautiful whether fully closed, partially open, or completely retracted.” - Judy Hasegawa, Architectural Design Expert
A Customizable Design Solution for Airport Spaces
Across the 10 meeting rooms, an impressive 44 sliding stacking commercial glass door panels were installed to respond to the demands of the high-traffic commercial environment. Each panel was customized with a Solid infill at the bottom and obscured glass at the top, divided by a mullion for optimal privacy.
The Atrium Business & Conference Center at LaGuardia Info Brochure Page
As a tailor-made product, each NanaWall system can be specified with infills, parking bays, various sill options, and over 200 powder coating colors. For commercial spaces and modern airport design, accessibility and safety can be achieved with ADA-compliant floor tracks and panic hardware from others.
The Benefit of Sliding Stacking Commercial Doors in Airport Spaces
For optimal space maximization, the architects specified sliding stacking glass doors with an inward configuration. This allows full use of the adjacent hallway, ensuring unobstructed flow throughout the day.
Unlike fixed walls, these systems allow spaces to expand or divide quickly, supporting different uses without requiring permanent changes to the layout. This flexibility is especially valuable in airports, where spaces must respond to shifting demands while maintaining efficient operations.
“These systems open up a fantastic opportunity for a wide range of meeting groups and sizes to take advantage of a world-class transportation hub right in New York City. Rather than treating travel time as downtime, the flexibility of the space allows business travelers to maximize their efficiency — turning the airport itself into a productive, professional meeting environment.” - Judy Hasegawa, Architectural Design Expert
NanaWall FAQ: Sliding Stacking Commercial Doors for Airport Design
Are NanaWall sliding stacking commercial doors ideal for airports?
Yes, NanaWall commercial glass doors are ideal for airport environments where flexibility and accessibility are essential. They allow spaces to open or close as needed, supporting a range of uses within the same footprint. In high-traffic settings like terminals, this adaptability helps maximize space and traffic flow while maintaining openness and visibility.
Are NanaWall sliding stacking commercial doors durable?
Yes. NanaWall systems are designed for demanding commercial applications, including high-traffic interior environments. Each system has been tested for 20,000 opening and closing cycles, which equates to 27 years of reliable operation. Meanwhile, our swing doors are tested to 500,000 cycles.
Are NanaWall sliding stacking commercial doors easy to use?
Yes, NanaWall systems are engineered for smooth operation, a key element in public spaces like airports for anyone to use. The NanaWall HSW60 features an enhanced horizontal roller and guide track design that allows each top-hung individual panel to move effortlessly and intelligently around corners, posts, and anywhere else your design demands.
Are NanaWall sliding stacking commercial doors customizable?
Yes. NanaWall HSW60 offers unlimited widths with individual panels that stack in customizable parking bays, or out of sight in closets. Swing doors are available for everyday use. If desired, this sliding stacking system can be designed with adjustable floor sockets for a completely unobstructed threshold.
Can NanaWall sliding stacking commercial doors be used in interiors?
Yes, NanaWall systems are commonly used in interior applications. They are ideal for dividing or connecting spaces such as meeting rooms, offices, and event areas, providing flexibility without compromising light or visual continuity.
In addition, HSW60 can achieve up to a unit STC 43 for optimal privacy and acoustic control. NanaWall offers the most comprehensive product category of acoustically-rated wall systems.
Final Thoughts
The Atrium Business and Conference Center at LaGuardia Airport shows how flexible space can be integrated into a complex, high-traffic environment. By incorporating sliding stacking commercial doors, the project allows meeting and event spaces to operate within the terminal without relying on fixed layouts or permanent separation.
The result is a space that can adjust throughout the day to support different uses while remaining part of the larger airport. Projects like this suggest a broader shift beyond traditional airport design amenities, expanding how terminals can support both movement and productive use within the same footprint.
Ready to create more flexible airport spaces? Discover how NanaWall systems can support your next commercial project here!
