Interval Seating System

Project: Fourth-Year Capstone Project

Interval is a modular airport seating system designed to enhance comfort, flexibility, and accessibility for travelers. Crafted using bent sheet metal, aluminum extrusions, and off-the-shelf components, the system emphasizes durability and ease of maintenance. Features include integrated power access at every seat, optional manual reclining in select seats, and adaptable configurations to suit various terminal layouts. Developed from concept to full-scale prototype, Interval addresses the evolving needs of modern air travel environments.

Materials: Anodized Aluminum, stainless steel, high density foam, recyled olefin, MDF, ABS.

Year: 2025

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ACIDO Finalist

Problem & Opportunity

Airport terminals are high-traffic, high-stress environments, but the seating within them often fails to reflect the needs of today’s travelers. Rigid layouts, uncomfortable seating, and limited access to power create frustration and reduce usability, especially during long waits, layovers, or delays. Many current systems also fall short in terms of accessibility, offering minimal support for individuals with reduced mobility or those in need of more ergonomic options.

As air travel continues to grow and diversify, there’s a clear opportunity to design airport seating that’s more adaptable, inclusive, and responsive to how people actually use these shared spaces. Interval addresses this need by prioritizing comfort, modularity, and accessibility, accommodating a wide range of passenger needs through thoughtful detailing, spatial flexibility, and fabrication methods that are both efficient and accessible.

The system is designed with adaptability in mind, using a modular t-slot extrusion structure that can respond to a wide range of spatial and operational requirements. Seating units can be arranged in linear rows, clusters, or as standalone groups, depending on the specific needs of the terminal. The aluminum extrusion frame enables simple reconfiguration, allowing the system to adjust over time as layouts shift or maintenance demands evolve.

Airports can order individual modules to create layouts tailored to their specific needs. Each piece is standardized, making it easy to swap, reconfigure, or adjust components as needed. This approach ensures long-term flexibility, straightforward maintenance, and adaptability as user demands and spatial requirements evolve. The system is also designed so that replaced parts can be recycled or reused, reducing material waste and extending the product’s overall lifecycle. This not only supports sustainability goals but also makes long-term upkeep more practical and cost-effective for airports.

©2025 Kyle Allan

@kylealln