The National Fire Protection Association has dropped its ban on glass boarding bridges. Most airports can now use bridges built using glass, opening up a new experience for air travelers.
Glass bridges are expected to be adopted widely by local safety officials throughout the country and provide a fresh alternative to airport designers, said Randy Pope, chairman of the NFPA task force that recommended dropping the ban on glass.
Previously, the only glass endorsed for use in boarding bridges by the NFPA code was limited to the control cab, from which the operator positions the bridge at the aircraft.
“In Europe and Canada, they’ve used glass boarding bridges for years because they offer great views and are much more aesthetically pleasing than the boxes that are prevalent at U.S. airport terminals,” Pope said. “While glass can be more expensive, it has significant environmental advantages, so I think it will receive more consideration right away."
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Oct 25, 2019
Top 60 Airport Sector Engineering Firms for 2019
Jacobs, Arup, Burns & McDonnell, Ghafari Associates, and Kimley-Horn head the rankings of the nation's largest airport terminal sector engineering and engineering architecture (EA) firms, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2019 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Oct 25, 2019
Top 50 Airport Sector Architecture Firms for 2019
AECOM, Gensler, HNTB, Corgan, and HOK top the rankings of the nation's largest airport terminal sector architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2019 Giants 300 Report.
Design Innovation Report | Jun 25, 2019
2019 Design Innovation Report: Super labs, dream cabins, office boardwalks, façades as art
9 projects that push the limits of architectural design, space planning, and material innovation.
Airports | May 20, 2019
How the Internet of Things will transform airport environments
Connected devices and their wealth of data have led to significant improvements in operational efficiency and passenger experience in airports.
Hotel Facilities | May 16, 2019
JFK’s TWA Flight Center has been reimagined as a hotel
MCR and Morse Development spearheaded the project.
Airports | May 9, 2019
Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport’s new terminal culminates early plan
$40 million redevelopment brands hub as true boutique airport.
Airports | May 1, 2019
The Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport opens in Israel’s Negev Desert
Amir Mann-Ami Shinar Architects and Planners designed the facility in partnership with Moshe Zur Architects.
Airports | Apr 1, 2019
Home team wins O’Hare terminal design competition
Studio ORD, which includes Chicago-based Studio Gang, is chosen from five finalists.
Airports | Mar 21, 2019
First photos inside the nearly completed Jewel Changi Airport addition
The addition is set to open this spring.
Airports | Feb 28, 2019
Renovation of Tampa International Airport’s Main Terminal completes
Skanska and HOK led the design-build team.
