George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Mickey Leland International Terminal D

George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is one of the five largest airports in the United States. Its recent International Terminal Redevelopment Program of consolidation, expansion, and modernization includes the renovation of Terminal D and construction of a new concourse: the D-West Pier, that can simultaneously accommodate six wide-body aircraft and be convertible to ten narrow-body airplanes. Intended primarily to serve international flights, the Terminal D project is designed to fulfill IAH’s vision to “Establish Houston Airport as a five-star global air service gateway where the magic of flight is celebrated,” supporting their overarching project goal “To establish a continuous identity for the entire passenger experience (curb-to-gate-to-curb) through interior finishes and architecture that are inspired by Houston.” Building finishes, color palettes and motifs; the art and imagery associated with the city, its music, lighting, and amenities - all were inspirations for a thematic consistency to the project’s architecture and interior design that ties them to the airport’s overall passenger experience. The design draws upon IAH’s modernist architectural legacy; Houston’s rich cultural diversity and natural environment; and the region’s traditional building style borne of adaptation to south Texas’ hot and humid sub-tropical climate. Orthogonal building geometries, light-filtering clerestories, and screens, and a restrained material and color palette provide cohesion, a sense of place, and cues for intuitive wayfinding from curbside to airside boarding gate. The D-West Pier is organized to support its various activities and functions: international travelers arrive on the mezzanine level along the east wall, open to morning light and views. A central clerestory and light-filtering screen run the length of the concourse, defining the main circulation spine. Throughout the day, sunlight streams through the screen’s customized circular perforations and angled tabs in ever-changing patterns that recall the changing shadows cast by a live oak’s spreading canopy. Along the west wall, ziggurat-shaped fenestrations frame views to the outside while also shielding retail and informal seating areas from direct sun. In addition to optimizing views and the structure’s thermal performance, the punched openings feature linear LED light fixtures integrated into each window jamb, individually controlled to provide a range of lighting scenes and moods to augment various experiences of different times of day, seasons, or special events. Designed to LEED Silver-equivalence, the new Pier has a projected 129 EUI, 33% water use savings, incorporated responsible material sourcing, and LEED-compliant measures for managing indoor air quality.