With an arrival sequence that starts at curbside with a new canopy system providing both shelter and a new architectural image for the building, the renovations for Terminal 1 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport have been carefully considered and addressed. Designed by Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee, their main challenge was the transformation of the existing building in support of the passenger travel experience. As the canopy extends the length of the building and transforms itself at the crosswalk linking the commercial curb canopy, both arrival and departure experienced are emphasized. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Buildings that receive high use over an extended period of time, inevitably reach a point when re-branding needs to be considered. Such is the case with Terminal 1 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). The building has served as an airport terminal since 1981. The last upgrade to the facility was in 1991. The opening in 2010 of the new Terminal 2, has established a standard of airport terminal design at RDU.
The landside building elevation will be totally re-clad and re-envisioned. The existing metal panels and poorly composed curtain wall, will be removed and replaced with an ordered composition of metal panels, translucent fiberglass panels, and glass curtain wall. The use of transparent and translucent materials will create an open light filled interior space. The landside of the building has been envisioned as a single large volume from one end to the other, with a security mezzanine inserted into this volume. The landside of the terminal which houses ticketing, security, and baggage claim, will receive all new finishes, lighting, furnishings, and signage.
The airside façade will be completely re-built in order to provide open views and daylight to the interior. A combination of metal panels and curtain wall will be used. Sunlight levels will be controlled by a combination of sunscreens and roller shades. The airside spaces, including toilets, concession spaces, the concourse, and holdrooms, will receive all new finishes, lighting, furnishings and signage. In addition, the building will receive new stairs, escalators, and four new passenger elevators.
Architects: Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee Location: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, United States Project Team: Jeffrey Lee, Clymer Cease, Donna Francis, Irvin Pearce, David Francis, Don Kranbuehl, Marni Rushing, Michael Wagner, Beth Mitchell Client: Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Size: 165,000 sf
