AIRPORT DESIGN
Tomorrow’s terminals W
San Francisco’s T2 is an example of terminal design that is based on sustainable principles, inspired by local culture and geography, writes Gensler’s Bill Hooper Jr and Keith Thompson.
hen San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 2 (SFO T2) re-opens its gates in April 2011, it will be the first LEED Gold-registered terminal in the United States – a significant accomplishment in the area of sustainable airport design.
However, LEED certification was never the sole objective in
redesigning T2, it was rather an opportunity to re-think 21st century air travel and to determine how a sustainable terminal could enhance passengers’ airport experience. This approach to sustainability is focused on fostering a memorable and
location-specific travel experience that balances the needs of building performance with passenger delight.
SFO T2: a passenger-centric terminal Skylights and clerestories are a vital part of SFO T2’s design, streaming sunlight into the ticketing lobby and retail areas and significantly reducing electricity use, while maintaining passengers’ sense of place and time. Hydration stations are prominently located at the centre of the concourse, enabling passengers to fill reusable bottles. Bright two-story spaces filled with natural light and hanging cloud sculptures help to orient passengers to their location. SFO T2’s design also alleviates many of the stresses commonly
associated with 21st century air travel. Unlike older terminals, which have not been modified to address changes in security requirements since 2011, SFO T2’s pre-security receptacles clearly inform passengers about prohibited items and provide appropriate recycling and composting bins.
64 AIRPORT WORLD/FEBRUARY-MARCH 2011 Expansive, naturally-lit spaces guide passengers at key decision-
making points, making the terminal easy to navigate. Rather than just a few benches and chairs, an area that Gensler calls ‘Recompose,’ located just past security, offers a place to re-dress upon completing TSA screening. Laptop plug-in stations, elevated work counters and free wireless are available for business travellers, while play areas are designated for children. While all of these design elements improve the traveller experience,
SFO T2 is also designed to significantly reduce operating costs. Improvements to the mechanical system, the ventilation system and the lighting will allow the terminal to run on 15% less energy. This will reduce operational costs by approximately $170,000 a year. An innovative displacement ventilation system uses filtered air to improve indoor air quality and requires 20% less energy than many other systems. A dual plumbing system that supplies toilets and urinals with reclaimed water from SFO’s Mel Leong Treatment Plant has also been used and the terminal’s plumbing fixtures are 40% more efficient than typical fixtures.
Local San Francisco culture Sustainability in design also implies an intrinsic connection with the surrounding culture, so unique elements from San Francisco culture have been incorporated into SFO T2. Local organic food vendors are situated throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to sample authentic, locally grown San Francisco cuisine. The vendors will also participate in a recycling and composting programme that is aimed at significantly
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