Indianapolis International Airport

Located just seven miles from downtown, the Indianapolis International Airport consistently ranks among the top 10 medium-sized airports for customer satisfaction. In 2008, the airport unveiled a new “mid-field” terminal, dedicated to Col. Harvey Weir Cook, becoming the first airport in the U.S. to be designed and constructed after the September 11 attacks. This project included a new interstate exchange, which impacted visitor commutes and introduced the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for the first time. Recognizing that airport navigation can be challenging for visitors of varied backgrounds and languages, RLR developed a comprehensive wayfinding strategy that prioritized the visitor’s mindset at every touchpoint in their experience.
Airport Interstate sign
Airport interstate sign - arrivals and departure
Arrival signage at Indianapolis International Airport
Indianapolis International Airport inside view

The signage design drew inspiration from the cross-section of an airplane wing, with custom brackets crafted to reflect the industrial aesthetics of aviation construction. Each sign incorporated Indiana’s state colors, blue and gold, establishing a cohesive brand identity for the facility that warmly welcomes visitors from around the world to Indiana.

Indianapolis International Airport gate A overhead sign
Indianapolis International Airport restroom sign
Indianapolis International Airport exit signage
Indianapolis International Airport baggage claim signage
Indianapolis International Airport check-in signage

In close collaboration with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and key airport stakeholders, our team prioritized dual-lingual directional signage and universally understood pictograms at critical decision points throughout the facility, as well as multi-lingual messaging at arrival points, to effectively welcome and communicate with international visitors.

Indianapolis International Airport welcome signage

To celebrate the opening of the Weir Cook Terminal, RLR developed orientation maps, brochure guides, and promotional materials ahead of the grand opening.

Indianapolis International Airport guides
Indianapolis International Airport celebration materials
Indianapolis International Airport map