Air travelers find stress with nearly all aspects of their journey. Everything from parking, security lines, delays to complex concourses occupies mental capacity and can leave even the most experienced globetrotter perplexed and frustrated.

In November, Pittsburgh International Airport completed a four-year, $1.7 billion modernization project that dramatically improved the airport experience for passengers. One area of focus in the new terminal was improved wayfinding, and products from LIGHTBLOCKS will play an important role in helping travelers navigate their way around the airport.

LIGHTBLOCKS manufactured approximately 950 square feet of directory and wayfinding signage for the project. Acrylic cubes were used in digital touch screens for 16 overhead displays and 15 freestanding signs. Prominent displays in gold and black, colors most often associated with Pittsburgh’s iconic sports teams, help guide visitors.

“The customer wanted a monolithic product, something that was essentially seamless,’’ said Senior Strategic Partnership Executive for Serigraphics Thomas Head. “The product that was specified had to be cut, hard joints and seams that were visible everywhere. The customer wanted something different.”

Head and his team turned to LIGHTBLOCKS, which delivered customized Kaleidoscope color-saturated resin panels. The design intent was to produce an illuminated box on top of directory signs and adhered to the box with a numeral of the same material.

“With LIGHTBLOCKS, the joints and seams go away,’’ Head said. “It improves the look of the signage.”

The airport placed paramount importance on improving passenger experience in the airport-wide modernization. The project covered 811,000 square feet for a new terminal and 1,143,868 square feet for a new parking structure. The building is designed to handle up to 15 million passengers annually. Gensler + HDR, in association with luis vidal + architects, designed the airport that brings together all major airport functions within a single, streamlined structure.

The design improved wayfinding by establishing clear sight lines, distinct arrival and departure signs, high contrast visuals and well-placed electronic displays. Walking distances are shorter, and the layout is much more intuitive than the previous terminal.

“The building design was always aspirational. It was meant and designed to work for everyone,’’ PIT CEO Christina Cassotis said. “But the building itself, if you look at it now, I think is actually inspirational. Being in this space feels good, and that’s a pretty big statement for an airport today.”

Head worked with LIGHTBLOCKS on previous projects related to signage and has found the products delivered on several fronts.

 “The cost and the quality are good,’’ Head said. “I’ve never had an issue with their quality. They’re great to work with and their products meet our needs.”