Living in the Manchester Airport?

Filed in archive information about on February 4, 2010

© rogers-photos


I read recently about the Manchester University anthropologist who plans to "live" in the Manchester airport for a year. At least they bill it that way in the headline. But then when you read the story you find out that he's going to spend "up to" 18 hours a day in the airport. Up until I read that part I wondered if his car would still be in Manchester airport parking at the end of the year. But I guess he'll be driving it home at the end of the day everyday...

Dr. Damian O'Doherty (the anthropologist) is 42. He'd spend his time in terminals and departure lounges, "observing passengers' and workers' habits." according to the news piece.

The study is expected to cost around £40,000. It's being paid for the British government's Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. The research is supposed to examine how airports affect people. The goal is to figure out how to make airports better places to visit or work.

The study is being criticized as a waste of money. Since he probably lives right there in Manchester, I doubt O'Doherty is sleeping at taxpayer expense in the Airport hotels. Personally, I can't see the problem with the study. I'd love for airports to be nicer places, easier to work in.

And at least O'Doherty won't need the taxpayers to foot the bill for Holiday insurance...