The baggage handling system is an essential and complex part of any airport operation, so Pat recommends keeping these three things in mind when designing or upgrading a BHS system:  

1. There are two types of BHS – Conventional Conveyor Centralized and Individual Carrier Systems (ICS). It’s vital to select the one best for your operation.  

Conventional Conveyors are legacy slider beds with belt conveyors. Individual Carrier Systems focus on tubs transported on a track. The technology advantage of this system is centered on the tubs that are RFID-equipped, which provides 100% tracking accuracy throughout the entire BHS process.  

The correct baggage handling system depends on the intricacies of the airport itself.   

2. Start with the endpoint in mind.   

As challenges arise on any project, implementing proactive measures early is vital when handling these complex systems. Pat understands what an integral role BHS plays in the overall airport operations. Without an effective BHS operation identified early on in project planning, an airport risks the facility lacking both operational and overall passenger experience.   

3. The baggage handling system can impact the entire airport operation.   

On average, 2,500 bags move through the system in an hour – handling up to 11,000 bags daily. To ensure positive consumer travel, the baggage handling system must be efficient.  

Built upon collaborative relationships and customer satisfaction, the Weitz team and I are excited to pave the future for baggage handling systems. With all the different technological advancements, I cannot wait to see the growth of these systems as my career continues to serve airports across the nation. With our customer-focused approach, we understand that baggage handling systems are at the heart of the airport, dictating travel efficiency.

Pat Marino, Project Executive Weitz – Aviation

The Weitz Company is a leader in aviation construction with over 40 years of experience. Our company’s well-established portfolio of aviation projects exemplifies our team’s ability to provide innovative solutions to the challenges of building in active airport environments. The Weitz team can manage an airport’s demanding and complex needs by leveraging this experience with our construction and subject matter experts. Learn more about our Weitz Aviation team at: https://www.weitz.com/aviation/   

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Earlier this summer, Emily Kessinger, The Weitz Company’s Senior Business Development Manager for Weitz Commercial, had the opportunity to attend the ACUHO-I Conference and Expo. The Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I), is “dedicated to delivering transformative residential student experiences through extensive knowledge resources, innovative operational models, courageous advocacy, and resolute community connections”. Below is Emily’s firsthand account of her conference experience, where she learned that wellbeing, a sense of community, and unique amenities such as rooftop pollinator gardens are driving today’s students.

From June 26 to June 29, I attended the ACUHO-I National Conference in Portland, OR. Hosted at the Portland Convention Center, the conference had over 1000 attendees, nearly 100 sessions, dozens of activities (including a 5k run/walk, which I participated in!), and an exhibit hall.

Many panels throughout the conference focused on student experience and life, diversity, equity, inclusion, and more. I was able to attend several seminars, though deciding which ones is always tricky when there are so many worthwhile topics and esteemed speakers. 

One of my favorite panels featured Dr. Mary Elliott, Director of Residence Life and Housing at Colorado School of Mines, and Sarah Chapman and Jeff Hyslop from NAC Architecture, a national award-winning design firm. Dr. Elliott, Sarah, and Jeff discussed how they support neurodivergent students on the School of Mines campus. Throughout the presentation, they gave examples of how they designed wellbeing into campus life, from creating quiet zones, offering healthy food, providing various ways to access the outdoors, and more. It was a fascinating presentation on mental health, placemaking, learning, connection + belonging, and physical wellness and how they intersect in design and space. They also talked about the dance floor theory related to neurodivergence and setting up areas to accommodate all kinds of learners. 

The Dance Floor Theory: is an engagement system that can be used by any team or organization to better engage their employees or members.

In a later session, architects from Stantec presented the convergence of campus offerings in the centralized campus core and gave examples from universities across North America. Highlights were learning about what shared amenities are essential to today’s students. I loved hearing about the beehive pollinators on a rooftop of a student housing project they designed at CU Denver and the incorporation of murals by nationally and locally renowned artists on the inside and outside buildings in the campus core.

Another great panel featured Executive Directors of Housing from Ohio University (Jneanne Hacker), Cornell University (Tim Blair), and the University of South Carolina (April Barnes); Brailsford & Dunlavey’s Jen Frank moderated. These student housing leaders talked about campus life, the challenges, and the opportunities they face in the modern age (on-campus housing vs. off-campus, when to have requirements for housing, technology, and more). It was enlightening to learn more about the complexities of coordinating student move-in, the student experience, and how universities are adapting and changing operations due to COVID.

ACUHO-I has always done a great job with its conferences. I’m always excited to attend to learn more about the trends and opportunities in student housing on campuses across the US. 

Visit their website for more information on the ACUHO-I National Conference 2023 and its speakers!

The post The Latest Student Housing Trends from ACUHO-I Conference and Expo: Creating Housing for the Future with a Focus on Wellbeing and Community appeared first on Weitz.