Which of the following is a type of horizontal distribution model?

• A. Pier
• B. Ramp
• C. Dock
• D. Aisle

Answer: (A)

In airport terminal planning, horizontal distribution models refer to layouts that spread passenger flow across the building on a single level or along a horizontal plane, rather than stacking around a central core. A pier layout does this effectively: long finger piers extend from a central concourse, placing gates and amenities along the length of each pier. This distributes traffic horizontally, making it easier to reach multiple gates with shorter overall travel distances and clear wayfinding.

Ramp, dock, and aisle describe other components or functions rather than a layout pattern for distributing passenger flow. Ramp is where aircraft park and services happen on the apron, dock is a loading/unloading area often used in maritime or cargo contexts, and an aisle is a corridor within a building. They don’t define a horizontal distribution model like a pier does.