The first of a three-part phased modernization of Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport today opened its doors to the public.
The design-build team is comprised of DWL Architects + Planners, SmithGroupJJR and Corgan, along with contractor joint-venture HuntAustin.
With the modernization project, Arizona’s main transportation hub, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, will become the crown jewel among the Sonoran landscape. Unlike many airports, Phoenix Sky Harbor is uniquely located in the bustling City of Phoenix. It serves more than 40 million passengers every year, and has become a destination for travelers across the world.
Capital Improvement Plan
The City of Phoenix’s Capital Improvement Plan for 2015-2020 was the vision to bring Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and surrounding areas into a unified campus. It determined a half billion-dollar modernization to Terminal 3 was needed to accommodate increased passenger flow while also creating a world-class travel experience.
Three Component Modernization
The project has three components comprised of renovating the processor building and north concourse, as well as demolishing and building a new south concourse. This, in turn, supports the vision of a multi-modal campus incorporating the PHX Sky Train® and the City’s Light Rail System. The project is being completed in phases to minimize impact to travelers.
The biggest challenge during the initial phase of the modernization program was creating a new and open experience from the original closed-in and internally oriented concrete building. To accommodate the world-class views and provide an open, daylight filled space, the design team manipulated the existing structure by removing large sections of the mezzanine and the pre-cast façade.
“We took what was a very inwardly focused building and made it externally focused, celebrating the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape,” saysMark Roddy, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, design director, SmithGroupJJR.The structure of the Terminal 3 building remains intact, while a striking, new glass façade now fronts.
The Journey
The arrival experience on the north curb immerses visitors into the Sonoran desert flora with unique vegetation forms. The glass façade on the west encapsulates a cutting-edge, industry-leading facility. The large overhanging pavilion roof, representative of a porch, and west shading is carefully calibrated to reduce glare and heat gain, while maintaining views of the city and landscape.
The recomposure atrium provides a unique place for passengers to gather and explore the views of the airfield and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve after passing through security.
Located between the north and south concourses, the Great Hall transforms the current passenger hall with higher volumes, views, and natural light, while providing a centralized passenger amenities area.
A Museum Gallery has also been added to the terminal. In future phases of the project, new shops and restaurants will open, giving travelers a chance to continue their Arizona experience even after passing through the security checkpoint.
At the fourth and top level, skylights offer clear views of the sky and the combination of the glass angle and the gradient opacity of the glass eliminate glare. The result is a space naturally illuminated and connected to the environment.
Materiality Wayfinding
Given the need to create a space to accommodate the vast array of diverse commuters, careful consideration was given to the use of materials to help guide an efficient passenger flow. Wood panels, acoustic metal ceiling panels and the use of six shades of terrazzo flooring provide a natural flow with intuitive wayfinding. Atriums at both the departures and arrivals areas provide transparency, so one can see where they are headed whether through the facility or outdoors.
Modernization to Continue
Following the completion of the initial stage will be Phase 2 of the modernization program. Targeted for completion in late 2018/early 2019, it will create a new 15-gate south concourse. New amenities such as food and retail concessions will be added. Finally, Phase 3, to be completed in 2020, will involve the demolition and construction of a new north concourse focused on terminal passenger flow reconfiguration and concessions enhancement.
Related Stories
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.
Airports | Feb 26, 2019
Design team unveils Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport
The terminal’s design philosophy combines nature, technology, and community.
Airports | Feb 21, 2019
Self-service bag drops and the challenges of speeding up airport baggage check-in
More airports are asking passengers to check their own baggage. What’s the ripple effect?
Airports | Feb 10, 2019
Chicago searches for the right design to expand O’Hare Airport and make passenger connections less stressful
Competition finalists took different approaches to rethinking the logistics of a gigantic, hectic space.
Airports | Oct 31, 2018
Foster + Partners’ Mexico City Airport has been cancelled
The project was set to cost $13.3 billion.
Airports | Aug 3, 2018
Airport trends 2018: Full flights with no end in sight
As service demand surges, airports turn to technology, faster building techniques.
Airports | May 31, 2018
Denver's airport city
Cultivation of airport cities is an emerging development strategy shaped by urban planners, civic leaders, airport executives, and academics.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
Retail Centers | Apr 19, 2018
Miami International Airport is home to the first Johnnie Walker store in the U.S.
The store will be a permanent fixture in the airport’s North Terminal.