gensler completes plans for DIA south terminal redevelopment

‘denver international airport south terminal redevelopment’ by gensler, denver, coloradoall images courtesy of gensler

global design firm gensler has picked up where calatrava left off with the denver international airport south terminal redevelopment project(see designboom’s earlier coverage on calatrava’s proposal here). originally masterplanned in 1989, an endeavor led by denver mayor federico peña, the airport campus with its iconic canvas peaks was designed with future growth in mind. the new redevelopment plan, currently under construction, will contain a 14-floor 500-room westin hotel and conference center, a public transit center with a new rail line that conveniently connects visitors to downtown denver’s union station, and a 60,000 ft2 public plaza that can be used to host community events. the 500 million dollar project is scheduled for completion in 2015 and is expected to create 600-700 construction and design jobs as well as 200 permanent jobs associated with the hotel. 

primarily focusing on the use of concrete and steel, the additions feature a fluid contemporary aesthetic that offer views of the green colorado landscape and distant flatirons. the hotel will make the 10th busiest airport in the world not only a more efficient airport with improved baggage transport systems and security checkpoints but also a destination with a state-of-the-art conference center, lounges, spa, and connection to the city’s downtown.

community plaza

large canopy over the public plaza

jennifer johnson, managing director of gensler’s denver office states:

‘our goal is to create a true community that enables travelers – both locals and those passing through – to connect to the greater city of denver. gensler has been in denver 39 years, and by leveraging our local knowledge, in tandem with our firm’s extensive airport, hospitality and retail design experience, we look forward to playing a key role in transforming our city’s gateway as we create new opportunities for the denver metro region.’

reticulated steel canopy structure, RTD rail connection

under the lightweight canopy

train hall

conference center lobby

lobby

lobby, second perspective

hotel pool

view of the connection to the jeppesen terminal, public plaza, and new hotel

bird’s eye view

image courtesy of denver infill

image courtesy of denver infill

view from the airplane

project info:

usgbc leed certification: the project will seek a high level of certificationgross square footage: approximately 730,000 square feet, not including the plazalevels: 14train tracks: 4proposed additional security lanes: 10 at opening, with provision to expand to 18 in futureproposed additional ticket counters: 6proposed additional e-ticket kiosks: 24cost: 500 million dollars