Seattle, Washington, USA
The Miller Hull Partnership and Woods Bagot have revealed their plans for the new expansion and transformation of the Seattle International Airport to the most energy-efficient building, prioritizing the well-being of workers, travelers, and of course the environment.
This transformation project is designed to a celebration of the Pacific Northwest, in which the inspiration comes from the materials and key elements of the Pacific Northwest.
The expansion is distinguished by a central pillar and grand stairs clad in locally sourced Douglas fir.
The design’s sculptural properties incorporate geometries shapes, curves and fractals emanate.
It emerges as a sustainable approach in comparison to traditional terminal benefits and is aimed to enhance passengers’ experience, according to the architects.
Both Woods Bagot and the Miller Hull Partnership work closely reimagining the major concourse through a distinct sense of place, performance, and partnership.
“We have a clear vision for how the airport will look, feel, and function in the coming years,” said SEA Managing Director Lance Lyttle.
“Making your experience less stressful and more predictable is at the center of our vision. You can feel the difference now at the newly modernized N Concourse and soon to open International Arrivals Facility. The C Concourse Expansion is what’s next in how SEA serves travelers, and we can’t wait,” Lyttle added.
The foregrounding of the concept is derived from the motto of “Bringing in, seeing out,” the expansion will be part of the surrounding context and connect back to the regional landscape.
“The C Concourse Expansion will bring much-needed light, air, and passenger amenities to one of the busiest crossroads in the terminal. The new building was designed to bring back the excitement of flight with soaring interior volumes of space and multiple outdoor observation decks that reconnect us to the magic of travel and the iconic mountain and sound views that define the Pacific Northwest,” said Brian Court, Lead Designer, and Partner at Miller Hull.
To achieve this, the designers add a key feature that can create a performative exterior envelope inspired by the forest and the frame.
“Just as in nature, where the forest protects from the sun, the building’s shell modulates light and collects energy,” states the press release.
“The new C Concourse Expansion for SEA is an inspiring gathering place that is a destination in and of itself. This ambitious project intertwines the very best aspects of placemaking, sustainability, and signature architecture,” said Matt Ducharme, Woods Bagot’s Principal, and West Coast Design Leader.
“The expansion for SEA has many distinct attributes, but its grand stairs and focal pillar clad in locally sourced Douglas fir–from which sculptural geometries like curves and fractals emanate–are two emblematic features that succinctly convey the project’s leading-edge take on contextual design,” Ducharme added.
The design is inspired by the Pacific Northwest, and the interior becomes an interplay of environments that is defined by both the local energy and a connection to the natural landscape.
The team designs more active public spaces to reflect the textures and activities of the famous markets in Seattle and the region.
A marketplace sits at the center of the concourse with a bar and retail kiosks that frame an open seating area that is also defined by a busker stage for local musicians.
This stage also faces the Grand Stairs, which provides an activated connection to the restaurants at the mezzanine level.
C Concourse Expansion, as the project is named, is the first project being part of Seattle’s new Sustainable Project Framework and sets the precedent for all future capital projects.
Sustainable features will include rooftop photovoltaics, fossil-fuel-free systems for heating and hot water, electrochromic glazing for windows, and dishwashing capabilities for vendors reducing the need for disposal of dishware, as well as embodied carbon reduction strategies, low-flow water fixtures, and biophilic design principles.
Project: SEA C Concourse Expansion
Architects: The Miller Hull Partnership LLP and Woods Bagot Pty Ltd.
Structural/Civil Engineering: MKA
Mechanical/Plumbing Engineering & Sustainability: PAE
Electrical Engineering, Smoke Control Airfield & Logistics: Arup
Airport Dining and Retail Consultant: AirProjects
IT, Communications & Security: Moye Consulting
Wayfinding & Signage: Mayer Reed
Lighting Design: Dark Light
Acoustics & Vertical Transportation: Greenbusch
Geotechnical Engineering: Hart Crowser
Cost Advice: Cumming
Code Compliance & Fire Protection: Jensen Hughes
Accessibility/ADA: Code Unlimited
BIM: Autoscan
Site Investigations & Surveying: Holt Services
General Contractor and Construction Manager: Turner Construction Company
Client: Port of Seattle
Photographers: The Miller Hull Partnership LLP, and Woods Bagot
