This article originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of Passenger Terminal World.
Key Takeaways
- New terminal is part of the $1.5 billion IAH International Terminal Redevelopment Program
- Walter P Moore provided structural and enclosure engineering services for the project
- A series of façade systems were designed to meet all the aspirations for the design
Overview
In October 2024, the new Mickey Leland International Terminal D-West Pier at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) welcomed its first travelers, marking a transformation in international travel and passenger experience in Houston. This expansion and modernization project created a new terminal focused on a seamless, world-class experience for millions of annual visitors.
The terminal’s opening is part of the $1.5 billion IAH International Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), which includes the expansion and modernization of the International Central Processor, featuring centralized ticketing for international passengers, expanded baggage claim and one of the largest security checkpoints in the U.S. The ITRP is scheduled for completion in 2025.
Designed by Fentress Architects, the new 160,000-sf Terminal D-West Pier includes six new gates, accommodating either wide-body or narrow-body aircraft and providing greater flexibility to meet the growing demand from passengers and airlines. Four of these gates can accommodate Group VI aircraft, such as the Airbus A380. The expansion brings Terminal D’s total footprint to 500,000-sf and 15 gates. The new terminal also has additional revenue-generating spaces, upgraded baggage handling, ramp and fuel system additions and utility infrastructure upgrades.
Biophilic Design
The new Terminal D-West Pier interior is open and bright, accentuated by an architecturally striking window wall system that lets in natural light to fill the space, creating dramatic effects and enhancing sensory experiences for passengers. The design also features 10,000-sf of copper-colored ceiling panels inspired by the city’s oak trees, a 380-ft LED wall, seating with charging ports, and other technology and amenities to enhance the traveler’s experience.
“The Terminal D-West Pier is a game-changer,” says Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It truly is a world-class facility, and it not only enhances the travel experience but positions Bush Airport for continued growth. Constructing this during live airport operations, amid record passenger travel, was a remarkable feat.”
Strategic Engineering
The Terminal D-West Pier required innovative design and engineering solutions to meet the owner’s vision. Walter P Moore provided integrated structural and enclosure engineering services for the project. Among the challenges faced by the engineering team was modifying the existing link between Terminals C and D. The C-Link was redesigned to provide a 30,000-sf single-level connector between the existing facility and the expansion terminal.
The northern section of the C-Link was demolished and rebuilt, while the southern section was modified by lowering the departure level structural floor framing by up to one foot in some areas. The existing structural steel-braced frames and columns were reconfigured to accommodate the new floor elevation. Critical structural modifications also included the introduction of new floor openings, elimination of floor openings that were no longer needed, and evaluation and strengthening of the existing structure for increased loading.
Future Facing
Walter P Moore’s Enclosures Engineering practice worked with designers to develop a series of façade systems that met all the aspirations for the design. The east façade features a long-span structural truss that creates an open-span, column-free space in the gate areas.
The west façade has an innovative curtain wall system, supported by vertical steel posts and including metal panels and glazing, which provide a balance between shading and views. The system was critical for the project because it integrated the structural support for all the components to provide a robust and efficient solution that was cost-effective for the owner.
Construction of the new Terminal D-West Pier began in November 2019, and more than 3,000 workers completed over one million hours of work with zero lost-time injuries. The pier was also designed to LEED Silver standards and meets the owner’s vision of creating a five-star global air service gateway for Houston Airports’ passengers.
