Gensler is a globally renowned design and architecture firm with offices across the world. Gensler has been involved in the design and construction of several aviation projects which includes airport terminals, lounges and other related spaces. Given below are 15 aviation projects by Gensler.
1. Terminal – Eagle County Regional Airport | Gensler
Eagle County Regional Airport is located in Gypsum, Colorado, United States. Gensler was responsible for the redesign of the airport terminal with Hensel Phelps. This was needed because of overcrowding and the design includes six new gates and solves lounging gate sizes for better accommodation. The design is inspired by the local ranches and barns. The agrarian history of the region is reflected in the form of the design including the roof. It also frames views to the surrounding mountains. The design aims for better circulation and improved passenger experience by reducing stress during security and boarding. Local craftsmanship has also been used for construction.
2. Terminal 2 – Incheon International Airport
The Incheon International Airport is located in South Korea. Gensler designed Terminal 2 of the airport. The design incorporates various sustainable technologies. The building itself has been inspired by the working of leaves, with photovoltaic cells on the roof that capture sunlight as well as skylights that work to reduce electric use to light the interiors. Features like indoor green spaces, waterfalls, streams etc. work to reduce air-conditioning and ventilation loads, thus adding to the energy efficiency. Various aspects of the design have been chosen based on Korean culture. For example, the flooring has been done using locally sourced granite and Korean wood.
3. HyundaiCard Air Lounge – Incheon International Airport
The HyundaiCard Air Lounge is located within the Incheon International Airport and follows a unique and innovative concept that creates a relationship between the passenger and the space. Gensler’s design for the lounge involves a simple layout in the form of a freestanding black box, like a packed suitcase. This simple and elegant layout offers all the necessary services in a precise and intuitive manner without any hassle and confusion for the passengers. It combines the aspects of a lounge with that of a store or museum with the surrounding walls having integrated flip screens that show helpful passenger-flight-status as well as spaces to buy gifts and refreshments. It has transformed the idea of a lounge from a static waiting place to a dynamic user-friendly experience for the passengers.
4. Terminal 2 – Kunming Changshui International Airport
Kunming Changshui International Airport is located in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, China. Opened in 2012, it is one of the 50 busiest airports in the world. Gensler designed the Kunming Transport Ecosystem, a large terminal complex with two hotels, a bus terminal, a high-speed rail station, two subway stations, and a regional rail station connecting to the airport. Terminal 2 has 157 gates making it one of the largest terminals designed by Gensler. The design is inspired by the shapes of leaves and guided by human behavioural science. It makes use of natural sunlight through the roof for soft, dim lighting. This helps in reducing glare and helps in energy conservation by reducing power consumption.
5. Terminal 2 – Mineta San Jose International Airport | Gensler
Mineta San Jose International Airport is located in San Jose, California, United States. Gensler designed Terminal 2 of the airport. The design includes upgrades to existing terminal space, roadways and parking. It was envisioned as an iconic gateway to San Jose and Silicon Valley.
In recognition of the airport’s sustainable design and construction, it received a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2010. Several innovative concepts have been used such as modern art pieces and chairs with armrests containing USB ports for charging.
6. Terminal 5 – JFK International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport located in Queens, New York, USA, is one of the primary airports of New York City. Gensler was responsible for the redesign of Terminal 5 for JetBlue Airways. It was one of the busiest terminals, handling more than 30 percent of the airport’s traffic. It was designed to accommodate 20 million passengers a year and has 26 gates with planned circulation and seating. Various spaces have been designed for ease of passenger movement and navigation as well as efficient security and baggage collection spaces. Efficiency has been given top priority with many passenger-friendly spaces such as lounges, more seating options, markets, free wifi etc.
7. North Terminal – Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is located in Michigan, United States. Opened in 1930, it has been named as one of the best airports in the US. Gensler designed the new North terminal that replaced an older one. The main focal point of the terminal is the gateway foyer space in the form of a large glass box made of exposed steel and glass. It lets in natural light and makes a grand statement at the entrance to the terminal. The terminal has 26 gates and has been designed based on human behavioural factors like other Gensler projects, like designs leading to better passenger flows, intuitive wayfinding, optimized baggage handling etc. The terminal is also capable of accommodating a wide range of aircraft at each gate and also has four international arrival gates.
8. Star Alliance Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport is located in the Westchester neighbourhood of Los Angeles, United States. Gensler designed the Star Alliance Lounge in the airport. Designed to accommodate up to 400 passengers, the lounge contains various experience zones such as common seating spaces for social gatherings, quiet spaces like the library for relaxation, a bar area, restaurants, study spaces, shower suites etc. The lounge is also equipped with high-speed wifi. It also has an open-air, landscaped green terrace which overlooks the northern runway complete with fire pits and a water wall for a complete sensory experience coupled with beautiful views.
9. Terminal – Jackson Hole Airport
Jackson Hole Airport is located in Teton County, Wyoming, United States. The airport terminal was redesigned by Gensler. Being the only U.S. airport within a national park (Grand Teton), the site had strict limitations leading to a simple, refined design that blends in with the surrounding landscape of the Teton Mountain Range. The design incorporates exposed vernacular wood and structural elements, fireplaces, natural photography etc. for a more grounded, naturalistic feel. There is an emphasis on the human scale compared to the surrounding towering mountains and the style is based on Jackson Hole’s culture.
10. Terminal – Portland International Jetport | Gensler
Portland International Jetport is located in Maine, United States. Gensler redesigned the terminal of the jetport to facilitate less overcrowding and provide for a more sustainable program of operation as well as give the structures a style more characteristic of the surrounding areas of Maine. The design includes natural materials like wooden beams with steel supports for construction of the roof and walls. It also has better security, new in-line baggage screening system, more streamlined cargo and better parking areas. The new terminal also has a geothermal heating and cooling system which is expected to reduce the jetport’s conception of heating oil by up to 102,000 gallons per year.
11. Etihad Flagship Lounge – JFK International Airport
The Etihad Flagship Lounge at JFK International Airport was designed by Gensler keeping in the mind the brand identity of the company. Each and every facet was designed according to Etihad’s concept of ‘the Facets of Abu Dhabi’. The design has been inspired by traditional Arabic designs like perfect geometric patterns and Arabic topography like the sand dunes of the Arabian Peninsula. This serves to show the style of modern Abu Dhabi with Etihad’s pairing of tradition with hospitality. The focal point of the lounge is the bar that overlooks the runway below. Floor to ceiling windows let in sunlight and make the space feel more spacious and welcoming. The lounge also has various seating and dining spaces and washrooms with special shower suites.
12. Westin DEN Hotel and Transit Center – Denver International Airport (DEN)
The Westin DEN Hotel and Transit Center is part of DEN’s original 1989 master plan. Gensler’s design for the project includes three key elements: a public transit center with a commuter rail line connecting Denver International Airport to downtown Denver, an open-air plaza for entertainment programs and events including food, art and music; and a 519-room Westin Hotel with all kinds of services including a conference center with the ability to seat about 2500 people. The unique connection between the three elements is the central aspect of this project. Gensler’s design was also given a LEED Platinum certification.
13. Terminal C – John Wayne Airport | Gensler
John Wayne Airport is located in Orange County, California, United States. Terminal C of the airport was designed by Gensler to create a design that matched with the previous two terminals while also having its own character. It acts as an extension of the existing facility and a new marketplace acts as the bridge between the new terminal and the older structures. The style for the terminal is both energetic and contemporary and its signature feature is the main vault that arches over the structure and is supported by Vierendeel trusses with rectangular panels and joints that give the structure a pronounced look. The vaulted ceiling is much larger in scale than the previous terminals and gives the space a spacious and open feel.
14. Terminal 2 – San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco, California, United States. Gensler’s design of Terminal 2 of the airport has 14 gates and like their other designs, strives to improve user experience and reduce stress and confusion for passengers. It has improved security area, meeting and seating lounges and has been recognised for its sustainable and organic dining options with food that is locally sourced from vendors. It supports zero waste, reduced carbon footprint and other sustainable methods which have earned it a LEED Gold certification, being the first US airport to do so. The terminal also houses art installations by several artists.
15. Airport Expansion – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport | Gensler
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is located in Austin, Texas, United States. Gensler designed the expansion to accommodate the increase in passenger traffic at the airport. The project was headed by four women architects which is still uncommon in the field, of which three are from Gensler. The expansion adds nine more gates to the terminal and will increase the terminal’s capacity by 36%, accommodating 15 million passengers. The expansion will also provide more space for baggage handling, offices, and other facilities. Various spaces in the terminal have been designed based on the local culture of the surrounding areas of Texas. This includes a mix of old and new styles and the design of the concourse has been inspired by Gruene Hall, which is one of the oldest dance halls in Texas. Other features include clerestory windows, helical stairways, outdoor patios and The Oculus Tower, inspired by Austin’s vintage moonlight tower lighting structures.
