Steve Freihon/Related-Oxford
New York, New York
Pittsburgh Int'l Airport Featured in Modern Steel Construction
August 13, 2025
Courtesy Gensler + HDR in association with luis vidal + architects
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Design - The 800,000-square-foot terminal’s rolling roof, inspired by local topography, is supported by 38 AESS tree columns.
- Site Challenge Solutions - Long-span grade beams and composite plate girders accommodate active tunnels, ensuring structural integrity and operational continuity.
- Sustainable Efficiency - Performance-based fire engineering saved $1 million by using concrete-filled columns; parametric modeling optimized unique column and roof designs with 15,200 tons of steel.
Thornton Tomasetti's innovative structural engineering is at the heart of the new 800,000-square-foot terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport, featured in the August 2025 issue of Modern Steel Construction. Inspired by the region's rolling hills, the design incorporates 38 architecturally exposed steel tree columns supporting a cantilevered, organically formed roof that enhances passenger flow and eliminates the need for an underground automated people mover.
Overcoming site challenges above active tunnels, our team employed long-span grade beams, composite plate girders and performance-based fire engineering—saving more than $1 million by using concrete-filled columns instead of intumescent coatings. Parametric modeling optimized the complex geometry, utilizing 15,200 tons of steel for efficiency and elegance.
Set to open in this fall, the $1.7 billion project boosts regional economic activity while prioritizing sustainability and user experience, showcasing Thornton Tomasetti's collaborative expertise alongside partners like Gensler, HDR, and luis vidal + architects.