Design Concept for Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport Revealed

PITTSBURGH — As part of a special board meeting and the annual State of the Airport event on Wednesday, Feb. 20, the Allegheny County Airport Authority Board of Directors approved a visionary concept design for the Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport.
 
The concept design for the new terminal to be built adjacent to the current Airside facility between Concourses C and D and scheduled to open in 2023, was unveiled to airport employees and the public on Wednesday.
 
It is based on a unique philosophy of nature, technology and community – NaTeCo – developed over the past seven months by the design team joint venture of architectural and engineering firms Gensler and HDR in association with luis vidal + architects.
 
“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.”
 
“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.”
 
“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.”
 
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 subject to change, the concept design currently features:

• 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  

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