Looking to extend the life of the existing terminal facility and enhance the overall passenger experience, Norfolk Airport Authority (NAA) solicited Gresham Smith to deliver on-call architectural planning and design services at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) in three separate phases. Our comprehensive improvements support ORF’s long-term passenger growth and needs while providing this gateway to southeastern Virginia with a fresh, efficient and energetic design direction.
2
new security screening checkpoints
10k
square-foot departure building skylight
1
long-term vision realized
An Atrium Showpiece
One of the most dramatic features of the terminal modernization was the addition of a 10,000-square-foot skylight feature. Constructed in the departures atrium to emphasize the client’s vision of an “Airport in a Garden,” the stunning aperture provides significant natural light to support interior landscaping and seating in the central terminal space.
Enhanced Screening Protocols
The airport’s existing security checkpoints were experiencing congestion and circulation issues that produced long lines at peak travel times. As part of the phased project, we designed two new passenger screening checkpoints at concourses A and B that not only accelerate passenger processing times, but also accommodate new screening equipment, augmenting airport safety and security.
A Pleasant Place to Dwell
While enhancing the building terminal performance, our interior upgrades create an environment that invites passengers in to use the space—not merely pass around it. Furniture was selected in various shapes and sizes to accommodate a wide range of users. Some groupings were playful enough to appeal to children, while others offer comfort and privacy to working travelers.
From Restrooms to Flooring
The modern makeover includes updates to all public areas at ORF, including new public restrooms in concourses A and B as well as the flooring. While the hold room and atrium areas were appointed with highly camouflaging carpet tile, other sections of the atrium and circulation areas were finished with poured terrazzo in designs of varying palettes and complexities that provide a consistent rhythm.
An Impactful, Lasting Space
Supporting NAA’s long-term vision for a modern, bright and passenger-friendly airport, our comprehensive upgrades enhance the traveler experience from arrival to takeoff, while positioning ORF to please passengers for years to come.Gallery
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