Architect HOK puts firm focus on passenger experience in remodelling New York LaGuardia

USA. New York’s LaGuardia Airport is steadily being transformed, with the recent groundbreaking of the new Terminal C and ongoing work at Central Terminal B.

Design, architecture, engineering and planning firm HOK has created a master plan which it says will turn LaGuardia into a fully connected airport. Both terminals C and B will feature “world class” retail and concessions, according to the company.

United vision: An aerial rendering of the new LaGuardia Airport

More than 2 million sq ft of new terminal space is being constructed, and HOK, along with partner WSP, is offering advisory, implementation and master design criteria services to ensure visual continuity.

Working with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey along with Delta Air Lines and other airport stakeholders, HOK says its team has developed a path for integrating the long-term redevelopment of airport facilities while ensuring high-quality design.

“A key element of the master plan is to phase and implement various stages of programming while the airport continues to operate,” said HOK President and New York office Managing Principal Carl Galioto. “The master plan concept focuses on two main components: a better passenger experience and the exterior architectural expression as viewed from the Grand Central Parkway—a view that will project LaGuardia’s new unified brand to the community and world.”

The prominent roofscape introduces a unifying canopy and defines a continuous edge that integrates the new structures with the existing garage and adjacent support facilities, HOK said.

Central Hall will provide a grand entry point for arriving passengers by car or potential future AirTrain stations while linking Terminals B and C. Both terminals will feature “soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and intuitive wayfinding”.

The LaGuardia Gateway Partners’ joint venture of HOK/WSP is the architect and engineer for the 35-gate Central Terminal B and Central Hall.

Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine