To accommodate increased passenger traffic and the need for additional airline gates, Gensler was hired to design a major expansion and renovation of San Francisco International Airport's old international terminal (Terminal 2).
The original building will be stripped down to its structural steel skeleton and will receive a new metal and glass building envelope; all new interiors; new passenger loading bridges; and structural, mechanical and electrical enhancements to improve energy efficiency and public safety. The renovation will boast cutting-edge security features and building efficiencies, unique retail and concession offerings, and amenities to improve the travel experience.
Gensler designed the terminal to be an extension of the Bay Area's culture and aesthetic. The 575,000-square-foot terminal will feature 30,793 square feet of retail development, including 12 restaurants, nine retail stores, and various art exhibits. With an emphasis on service, hospitality and comfort, thoughtful details such as a post-security recomposure zone, a "Meeters-and-Greeters Lounge," and hotel-inspired seating areas complement the straightforward interiors and allow travelers options for how they spend their time.
The terminal, which is expected to receive LEED Silver certification, contains a number of green design attributes, including reduced energy and water consumption, responsibly sourced materials, and 90 percent of construction and demolition waste was diverted from landfills. Additionally, Gensler's Brand Strategy group designed an educational signage program, which will include a green building tour, to help passengers learn about the sustainable strategies used in the building.
Scheduled to be completed spring of 2011, this renovation project will add four new gates (for a total of 14) and will have the ability to handle more than five million passengers per year. To learn more, visit www.gensler.com.
