Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)’s $608 million Terminal Lobby Expansion is redefining the gateway to one of the world’s busiest airports, driven by Gresham Smith’s multidisciplinary expertise. Through integrated architecture, interior design, planning, experiential design and wayfinding, the firm delivered a unified, modernized front door that elevates the passenger experience and strengthens Charlotte’s identity.
In its recent profile, Engineering News‑Record details how the 370,000‑square‑foot expansion blends bold design with technical precision. Aviation Senior Vice President Ben Goebel, AIA, NCARB, explains how the project team doubled the size of the main terminal while incorporating regionally inspired materials, immersive experiential elements and a refreshed branded environment. The article also highlights the complex coordination behind relocating the Queen Charlotte statue, a symbol central to the airport’s sense of place.
Through close collaboration with CLT and project partners, what began as a 22‑phase, decade‑long concept was streamlined into a six‑phase program delivered over six years. The completed lobby introduces expansive public spaces, intuitive wayfinding, upgraded baggage systems and integrated technologies that support CLT’s continued growth as a global connector.
Read the article, entitled “Airport Transformation in the Queen City,” located here.
