Boston, Massachusetts, USAi
The Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E has undergone a significant modernization, a collaborative effort between luis vidal + architects and AECOM, adding approximately 390,000 square feet to the existing terminal, introducing four new gates and enhancing passenger amenities
Key program elements include the addition of the new gates, renovations to the existing terminal, departure lounges, concessions, international arrivals, improved wayfinding, and enhanced ticketing, plus a new passenger security checkpoint, airline clubs, baggage systems, and a central, multi-story great hall.
For its elevating design, the project has been awarded a 2024 American Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
To promote an inclusive passenger experience, specialized amenities include comfortable seating with power for charging devices, work bars, high-quality concession offerings, mother’s rooms, companion care rooms and pet relief areas.
A distinctive feature of the project is the terminal’s iconic red roof, designed in collaboration with Luis Vidal + Architects.
The prismatic paint, dubbed Boston Red, subtly changes color depending on the light and was created specifically and exclusively for the project — marking the first-time prismatic paint has been used on an airport.
The roof’s gently sloping form on the south side reveals panoramic views of the downtown Boston skyline.
Resiliency was at the forefront of the terminal’s design, considering the future impact of climate change. All critical infrastructure was lifted out of the flood plain to allow for a rapid return to service in a flood event.
Similarly, the roof was designed above typical standards for snow, ice and rainwater.
The roof and building envelope are calibrated to respond to the myriad of weather conditions that New England brings, including high winds and capacity for a 500-year storm.
Terminal E also reflects the entire team’s commitment to sustainability and resiliency by charting a path towards net zero and incorporating design features that are on track for LEED Gold certification.
The design team used extensive modelling to evaluate the building to sensibly manage solar gain, harvest daylight throughout the year, generate power with building integrated photovoltaics, and implement a holistic heating and cooling strategy that reduces energy with simple operations.
Energy, water and electrical use was calibrated in the design phase to create smart systems that reduce the building’s operational impact and carbon footprint.
The building was purposely designed to serve as a sound barrier, shielding the noise of planes and airport operations from nearby neighborhoods.
To further accommodate the surrounding environment, airplanes on the gates are powered from the building, allowing the engines to shut down to eliminate idling emissions and sound.
A first for Boston and the region, Massport and AECOM collaborated with the New England Center for Children to create an all-ages sensory room to support the needs of passengers who require a visual and auditory separation from a busy terminal.
The simulation room replicates the interior of an airplane, assisting passengers in transitioning to a new environment through video, auditory, and tactile replications.
Boston-based Suffolk served as construction manager on the project.
Sam Sleiman, Executive Vice President of Suffolk’s Aviation and Transportation Center of Excellence, called the project “a beacon that welcomes international travelers to Boston and represents the airport of the future.”
Project: Boston Logan Terminal E Modernization
Architects: AECOM (AoR) in association with luis vidal + architects (Vision Architects)
Lead Architect: Terry Rookard
General Contractor: Suffolk Construction Company
Client: Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport); Luciana Burdi, Director of Capital Programs and Environmental Affairs; Gregory Ettridge, Sr. Project Manager; Swikriti Khanal, Project Manager
Architect Design Team: Andrea Aguiar, Christian Astudillo, Christos Bairaktaris, Paul Berkowitz, Lorayne Black, Matthew Calvey, Bernard Christopher, Adam Corbiel, S. Peter Cordner, Jonathan Danho, Lisa Decker, Scott Deegan, Lider Delgado, Robert Dio, Louis Ferolito, Glenn Gilbreath, Geoffrey Gindhart, John Groves III, Michael Hatfield, Kenny Jack, Allan Jefferson, Sarah Kost, Kainan Li, Yuki Liu-Korovkine, James Kubat, Stephen Maloney, Hadrian Millon, Robert Morelli, Brendan Riley, Roger Rueda, Jonathan Rushmore, Kathy Schaefer, Jason Shum, Nay Sleiman, John Tomaz, Andre Vasconcelos, Joe Wizda, Stacy Zung, Andre Vasconcelos; Ray Vasquez
Associate Architects: Luis Vidal + Architects
Lead Associate Architect: Luis Vidal
Associate Design Team: Joao Abreu, María José Araya, María Astiaso, David Ávila, Francisco Alvar Barrera, Nuria Campillo, Tania Estay, Jesús Gallego, Sandra González, Krists Karklins , Claudia Leal, David López, Natalia Moreno, Nicolás Orellana, Enrique Pérez, Daniela Rojas, Patricia Rojas, Francisco Rojo, Ángel Ruiz, Eduardo Sánchez, Francisco Sanjuán, Gabriel Sgorbini, Javier Torrecilla, Óscar Torrejón, Ítalo Veas and Marcos Velasco
Engineers: AECOM, Civil; Arora Engineers, MEP; BNP Associates, Baggage Systems; Dharam Consulting, Cost Estimating; GEI, Geotechnical; Kalin Associates, specifications; Keville Enterprises, Resident Engineering; Ricondo, terminal planning; RWDI, Rain, Ice, Wind and Snow Analysis; Simon Design Engineering, Structural; Thorton Tomasetti, Structural; speXsys, IT and Comm; TECS, Hydrant Fueling
