Nature, technology, and community meet in the concept design of Pittsburgh International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Program

Pittsburghers will tell you that our city, the town where the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers meet, is a great place to live. The people tend to be very nice, and more than happy to give you directions or help you find the best sandwich shop in town. Today we have another reason to love our fair corner of southwestern Pennsylvania. As part of a special board meeting and the annual State of the Airport event, the Allegheny County Airport Authority Board of Directors approved a visionary concept design for the Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport.

The design team joint venture of architectural and engineering firms Gensler and HDR in association with luis vidal + architects, were awarded the design contract in July 2018. They have been studying the Pittsburgh region and taking their inspiration directly from the rolling hills and rivers, neighborhoods and communities, and new economic diversity that has led to Pittsburgh’s re-emergence over the past few decades.

“This is a facility that truly reflects the growing Pittsburgh region and the renaissance that is ongoing here, including at the airport,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “The story of this airport is really a story about moving our region forward – about creating new jobs, retaining ones that are already here and maximizing our assets for the highest and best use for our citizens without saddling local taxpayers with the bill.”

The design, like our three rivers coming together at The Point, is based on a unique philosophy of nature, technology and community – NaTeCo. “I’m pleased to be part of this historic venture to bring all of these rich elements together at Pittsburgh International Airport,” said architect Luis Vidal, founder and Executive President at luis vidal + architects. “The combination of nature, technology and community form the DNA of the region and that should be reflected in the structure of the building to enhance the experience for all users and leave a memorable impression.”

“This new terminal, inspired by the beauty, tech renaissance and people of our region will integrate seamlessly into the great design of the existing Airside Terminal,” said Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis. “In considering this design, we looked at function first, then form, to construct a building that will be both iconic, practical and affordable and that can be easily adapted as the technology and transportation needs of our community change.”

Cassotis’ description of the concept for the new terminal sums up our fair city quite nicely.  Pittsburghers were engaged in the design process when the Airport Authority formed the Program Advisory and Best Practice Working Groups to solicit input and feedback about features of the new terminal. If you work downtown, you may have noticed or even partaken in an outreach event or survey, which were conducted this past summer in Market Square, as well as at the airport’s annual Holiday Open House in December. The team will continue to seek input on the new terminal throughout the Schematic Design phase.

“We have worked very hard and will continue working to further refine this concept that draws on the best features of the region, reflects its transformation and considers the future of aviation,” said Ty Osbaugh, Aviation Leader and Principal at Gensler. “This concept allows for a more modern, adaptable facility that will truly reflect and belong to Pittsburgh.”

Bill Peduzzi, Vice President and Aviation Director at HDR, which will handle the engineering implementation of the design, said “the Pittsburgh region is unique and this modernization program will add another signature piece of infrastructure that represents our character and values as well as positions our region for continued growth and success in the future.”

Specifics of the design for the new terminal that consolidates check-in, ticketing, security and baggage operations into one connected facility, including square footages, will continue to be refined over the next phase of the project – Schematic Design – which is expected to run through summer 2019.

While the concept design is subject to change, what is currently featured sounds inviting to frequent flyers, especially after a long flight. The following includes some of these features as they currently stand:

• Separate levels for departing and arriving passengers and a non-public level for building systems such as baggage belts
• Additional space for an expanded TSA checkpoint
• Shorter walking distances for arriving and departing domestic and international passengers
• Indoor and outdoor green plazas and gathering spaces
• Additional space for concessions, artwork and other amenities
• Planning for technological improvements and more automated systems
• Emphasis on sustainability

Additional details about the concept design and Terminal Modernization Program, including new design renderings, videos and FAQs, are available at www.pittransformed.com. Stories about the project can be found on the airport’s news site www.BlueSkyPIT.com.

 

About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry, and advance the region’s role as a world leader. Its 2018 Annual Report detailing growth and improved financial position can be found at www.flypittsburgh.com/AR18.

Pittsburgh International Airport serves more than 9.5 million passengers annually on 17 carriers. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure and J.D. Power have again named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2018.