HOK is a US-based architecture firm founded in 1955 by George F. Hellmuth, Gyo Obata, and George Kassabaum. With 1700 employees spread throughout the world, it is one of the largest offices covering many aspects of designing, including interiors, urban planning, engineering, and landscape, among others. The unmatched use of sustainable designs and building information modeling makes it a leader in these fields. Some ground-breaking projects by HOK in the domain of aviation and transportation include –
LaGuardia Airport New Terminal B – This ultra-modern structure’s design is symbolic of movement. The dynamic form gives equal monumentality to the arrival and departure areas with a large scale open structure. Several pedestrian bridges are incorporated in the design symbolic of New York City itself. The interiors have been done tastefully, highlighting the cultural diversity of the place.
Boston Logan International Airport Terminal A – This is the world’s first air terminal with a LEED certification. It encompasses many sustainable technologies such as a roof membrane to cut off solar heat gains and stormwater runoffs. This futuristic design by HOK proves to be a memorable experience for passengers while also being in synergy with the environment.
Hamad International Airport Passenger Terminal Complex – This complex located in the Doha airport is modeled like a wave symbolizing the ocean waves or dunes. It adds a dramatic touch to the structure while also paying tribute to the culture. The curvy roof with glass walls is instrumental in letting light in, making it a wonderful experience for the travelers.
Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) – The ARTIC is one of the most iconic public transit structures. Its catenary form composed of steel arches and ETFE makes it a massive scale building flooded with light. LED lights mounted in the translucent ETFE deliver great views at night. The sustainable building inspired by past transit wonders offers picturesque views of the city.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower – This is one of the tallest structures in Mumbai that blends well with the surrounding buildings. Building Information Modelling is a technique used in the genesis of the design. The sloping curves are not only a visual treat but also reduce vibrations caused by airflow.
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Terminal 1 Expansion – A huge curved overhanging roof is the jaw-dropping element that welds the old and the new buildings. This LEED-certified building employs strategies for waste management and sustainable energy sources. Skylights and gigantic glass walls flood the interiors with light while also providing unmatched views.
Indianapolis International Airport Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal – The first green plaza constructed after the events of 9/11, this LEED-certified building is a monumental marvel. Five storeyed curtain walls surround it with a curved skylight roof that reinforces a sense of movement inside it. It has an enormous atrium with retail and social spaces that enhance the user experience.
Indira Gandhi International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower – This was a collaboration project with BuroHappold Engineering to create one of the world’s tallest air traffic control towers. The tower provides panoramic views of the runways and has 21 controllers.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Domestic Passenger Terminal Improvements – The transit hub is under treatment to modernize and enhance the user experience to meet its growing needs. HOK is responsible for the design of the two canopies over the pick and drop areas and central space. The ETFE canopies will ward off the harsh sun and act as a screen at night for the passengers entering the city.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Expansion – This is the very first phase of expansion of the busy terminal for accommodating the increasing number of travelers. Adjustment and addition of new gates of larger size would increase its capacity. The passenger experience will become even more at ease by the improvement of dining and retail areas and the pathfinding system.
Salt Lake City International Airport Passenger Terminal – After six years of construction and massive design shifts from its previous state, this concourse is a modern marvel applauding Utah’s natural beauty. Floor to ceiling windows provides abundant sunlight as well as picturesque views of the nearby landscape. A wavy sculpture made of hundreds of fins adorning the atrium is the eye-catcher symbolizing the landscape of Utah.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Concourse D Annex – This contemporary structure is LEED-certified with the use of sustainable materials. The light open form creates a sense of space inside by the absence of columns. A neutral tone has been used in the interiors to achieve a calming aesthetic. The concourse was built to relieve public congestion and enrich the experience.
Long Beach Airport Modernization – The new design by HOK preserves the charisma of the old building while making the outside and inside less distinct. The new additions are laid beside the original structure while a garden connects the north and south room buildings. The building takes advantage of the serene weather of the area and the landscape full of exuberant gardens, walkways, and palm tree-lined paths.
Tampa International Airport Main Terminal Redevelopment – This redevelopment project added a profusion of new spaces and expanded the total area of the third-floor level. The design incorporated the aesthetics of the beaches in the area while also taking into account the regional flora. A central space is provided, equipped with amenities like shops, seating, and workspace.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport Midfield Satellite Concourse – Located in Thailand, this concourse draws heavily from the rich culture of the place. The interiors having a criss-cross timber-colored ribbed roof signifies the traditional Thai silk cloth, whereas the gardens are reminiscent of the natural environment of the country. The metal-clad roof is an economical design allowing better energy efficiency.
