"Canada's greenest airport" to be LEED certified
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Canada's greenest airport terminal, designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects in collaboration with Stantec, opens today at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. The terminal, which draws design inspiration from Manitoba's vast prairies and sky, will be the first freestanding airport building in Canada to be LEED certified.
"We are delighted to have designed a new gateway for Winnipeg," said Fred Clarke, FAIA, Senior Principal of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. "This building not only captures the city's distinctive landscape, but also makes flying enjoyable for passengers."
The building is long and low with a floating silver roof. Skylights, an atrium, and windows fill the terminal with light and bring the big sky inside. Passengers can see through the building, across the prairie and to downtown Winnipeg. These views create a strong sense of place, while views of the airfield make it easy for passengers to find their planes. Glass boarding bridges also help to orient passengers, giving them an immediate glimpse into the terminal upon arrival. Inside, billowing wood ceilings and wood-paneled walls create a warm inviting environment.
"Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects have delivered a world-class design that is both exciting and responsible," said Barry Rempel, President & CEO of the Winnipeg Airports Authority. "More than a place to transport people and products, the new terminal truly reflects the spirit of the community."
Sustainable design measures include natural lighting and advanced mechanical systems to reduce the building's energy consumption. Overall, the building is 25 percent more efficient than Canada's Model National Energy Code for Buildings.
In addition to the new terminal, Pelli Clarke Pelli's work included the airport's redevelopment master plan and the design of a parking garage.
Founded in 1977 and led by Cesar Pelli, Fred Clarke, and Rafael Pelli, PCPA has designed some of the world's most recognizable buildings, including the World Financial Center in New York, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong. The firm has been honored with critical acclaim and hundreds of design awards, including the American Institute of Architects' Firm Award and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has designed terminals for Haneda Airport in Tokyo and Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
