Pittsburgh International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Breaks Ground

Construction on Pittsburgh International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Program took off with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 14 attended by members of our structural engineering and sustainability teams. The project’s centerpiece is a new, high-tech 700,000-square-foot terminal designed by Gensler and HDR in association with luis vidal + architects North America. Thornton Tomasetti is providing structural engineering, sustainability, performance-based fire engineering and security services.

Designed with an emphasis on passenger comfort, efficiency, public health and sustainability, the terminal will consolidate all operations starting from check-in all the way to baggage claim. An adjacent complex will have a 3,300-space parking garage, rental car facilities and new roadways. The terminal’s distinct undulating roof takes its design cues from the surrounding rolling hill landscape and is supported on efficient tree-shaped columns. Openings in between the ribbon-like lightweight long-span roof will allow natural light into the terminal. Other biophilic design elements include indoor and outdoor green plazas and waiting areas. A minimum of 75 percent of waste generated during construction will be recycled or reused.

The ETA for the modernization program, which is targeting a minimum of LEED Silver, is early 2025.