Long-Awaited Terminal Soars Swiftly in Burbank
Brent Kelley, Corgan aviation sector leader, recalls that the airport authority told bidders that the winning team would have to come up with three concepts for the new terminal. “We decided to gamble a bit and do the pre-work for the submittal,” he says. The design team proposed three concepts: paseo, mid-century and icon. The paseo concept embraced a “small, intimate feel,” says Kelley. “Mid-century pulled from the architectural acumen of Southern California,” while the icon concept “was based on the idea of a nod to old Hollywood.” Burbank is known for its numerous media and entertainment production facilities.
More than 70% of residents responding to a survey voted for the icon concept, and the airport commissioners approved it unanimously, says Miller.
Ultimately, “I’d say we did pull in some ideas from the mid-century look, but it’s really about the glitz and glamour,” says Kelley. A striking, arching canopy that will extend out from the entrance over the roadway, parking garage and a public plaza is intended to evoke the famous image of Marilyn Monroe’s fluttering skirt. The curvature and folds will also offer shelter to passengers from the sun.
Ceiling heights will reach almost 50 ft at the maximum to enhance the open, airy feel. Full-height windows will fill the corridors and gate lounges with natural light and frame the Verdugo Hills to the north, according to Corgan’s project description. Solar control technology will manage heat gain to maintain thermal comfort and reduce energy use. The outdoor plaza will minimize water use with native plantings and the reuse of gray water for irrigation. The terminal designers are aiming for LEED Gold certification.
More than 70% of residents responding to a survey voted for the icon concept, and the airport commissioners approved it unanimously, says Miller.
