Mineta San Jose International Airport Terminal B Concourse, San Jose, United States

Gensler designed concourse opens its first six gates
The new Terminal B Concourse at Mineta San Jose International Airport in California opened its first six gates today. The 380,000 sq ft, $342 million concourse is the first element of the airport’s extensive $1.3 billion modernization program, and will ultimately integrate with the new Terminal B opening summer 2010.

Gensler, in collaboration with Steinberg Architects, served as master design architect for the airport, creating a design that evokes the high-tech landscape of the Silicon Valley while celebrating the area’s sunny climate and agrarian roots. Inside, the concourse has the feel of a sunlit paseo, with a dramatic curved translucent roof featuring fabric panels to filter the direct sunlight and absorb sound. On the exterior, the long and cable-like outer layer expresses the area’s technological design heritage while efficiently shading the inner core of the building.

"In the Terminal B Concourse, we wanted to express the region’s leadership in technology and innovation, and also establish a signature identity for the airport and the city of San Jose," said Steve Weindel, a principal at Gensler and project designer. "The indoor-outdoor architecture captures the San Jose lifestyle, and will give travelers a tangible sense of the region, even while they're inside the airport."

Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the concourse with natural light. Flight gates are located close to shopping areas so travelers won't feel rushed and can enjoy locally prepared foods at a variety of eateries. At 1,600 ft long and 90 ft wide, the building is 380,000 sq ft, with 29,000 sq ft of space reserved for retail and concession areas and 10 gates. There will be 12 gates total when Terminal B and the concourse are fully integrated by next summer.

The concourse design team includes Gensler and Steinberg Architects, master architects; Clark Construction, general contractor; Magnusson Klemencic Associates, structural engineer; Flack & Kurtz and Alpha Tech, MEP; URS, civil engineer; and Gilbane Building Company, construction management.

source: www.worldarchitecturenews.com
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