LOCATION: Raleigh-Durham, NC
PROJECT SIZE: 2,981,330 SQ FT
PROJECT COST: $120,000,000
The Parking Structure for the new Raleigh Durham International Airport was a multi-phased project located in the center of the airport campus. The parking structure replaced existing surface lots and a motel that had become obsolete given the growth of the airport.
The phased program for the hourly and daily parking in the terminal area includes a total of more than 16,000 structured parking spaces in the terminal area, with a major emphasis on safety, security, and user-friendliness for the airport patron. The central spine of the parking structure provides glass-fronted elevators serving all levels of the deck and moving sidewalks leading patrons to both terminals located on either side of the parking deck.
The architectural design of the structure was conceived as a composition of simple, essential, and common components that are contrasted with the unexpected to give the structure its unique character. Rough, rigid concrete frames are set against the sinuous lines of architectural fabric. Elevators and stairs are sheathed in glass and project out from concrete surfaces to punctuate facades and a “wing-like” form appears to hover above a light well, creating an oasis dividing the structure. The unique elements serve as architectural devices to articulate key areas of circulation and facilitate wayfinding for the airport patron. The fabric cove inside the concrete helixes serves to differentiate the exit/entry points for vehicles and is illuminated at night to serve as lanterns. The fabric covered canopy above the central light well draws its inspiration from the form and structure of early aircraft wings and provides a central spine which collects passengers from the deck and moves them toward the terminal building.
2007 Parking Institute Award of Merit, Phase IV
2004 Parking Institute Award of Merit, Phase I
2001 AIA NC Merit Award (State)
2001 AIA Triangle Honor Award (Local)
Photography: James West