Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida has released images of its $2.8 billion Terminal C, which is set to open this summer.
Extending over 167,225 m2, Terminal C is expected to handle up to 12 million passengers per year and feature a new Federal Inspection Service (FIS) facility as well as 15 new gates (accommodating up to 20 aircraft), as well as new amenities such as a nursing station and pet relief areas. When fully constructed, Terminal C will increase MCO’s capacity to 60 million passengers per year. Arriving international passengers will be directed to an air bridge on the upper level of the concourse, which will take them to the new Federal Inspection Service facilities.
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Design architects Fentress Architects and Howard, Needles, Tammen and Bergendoff (HNTB) firm designed Terminal C. Among the architectural elements of the terminal is The Prow, which sets an uplifting tone at the curb, especially when it is is seen against a dramatic Florida sky. The ambient natural light that will stream from this curbside curtain wall, as well as the sky-lit backbone of the terminal, was designed to help bring the outdoors in and guide passengers to amenities. and to their doors. All major elements of the building – ticketing, security, concessions, gates and baggage claim – will line up along the boulevard, which will lead passengers on a linear journey. The boulevard will be adorned with a skylight that supports the foliage.
Photo credit: Matt Good
The boulevard will also connect Terminal C’s two civic spaces – Palm Court and Town Square – to the MCO Station (also known as the Intermodal Terminal), which supports up to four rail systems, including intercity service. from Brightline. Palm Court is located airside, at the terminus of the boulevard skylight. As the largest of Terminal C’s civic spaces, this vibrant location will feature retail, experiential media, dining, socializing and lounging lounges in a daylight-lit garden atmosphere. The second-floor retail clubs and airy lofts are designed to overlook Palm Court and its experiential media element, which will include interactive environments that encourage engagement with passing travelers. Meanwhile, Town Square is located landside, at the terminus of an elevated international arrivals corridor. This spacious and bright arrival hall, located on the highest level of the terminal, is intended to provide a sense of welcome and openness to enhance the experience for international and domestic passengers.
Photo credit: Matt Good
With the help of newly developed baggage handling technology, the traditional paradigm of lower level arrivals and upper level departures will be reversed at Terminal C. Arriving passengers – often long flights – will be directed to the upper level. higher in the terminal, which will provide views of the local natural environment, restrooms and concessions. Departing travelers should have a similar intuitive experience with new parking and drop-off areas, a ticketing lobby, and security. The Experiential Multimedia Environment (EME) has also been integrated into the C terminal architecture.
The growth of international and domestic passengers at MCO will be supported by an increasingly contactless experience. Terminal C has been designed in a linear/jetty configuration, which minimizes transit times for departing passengers to an average of 11 minutes. Additionally, Terminal C will engage a variety of biometric devices, including 100% automated screening lanes at the TSA checkpoint and 100% facial recognition at all 15 gates for international arrivals and departures.
To help Terminal C be sustainable, the airport will deploy reduced water consumption and irrigation systems, responsive lighting and temperature control systems, solar panels and non-toxic adhesives and materials. natural unpainted. Together, these and other strategies are intended to support the award of LEED Silver or Gold certification by the US Green Building Council. If awarded, Terminal C will be the world’s first all-tier LEEDv4 airport campus.
Curtis Fentress, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and Principal Design Officer with Design Architect Fentress Architects, said, “This summer, MCO will open Terminal C, which is designed to support the volume increasing number of passengers and strengthening the airport. reputation for excellence in traveler satisfaction. The large skylight’s tinted glass panels dapple and diffuse the sunlight, creating an effect reminiscent of the light streaming through Orlando’s historic orange groves.
Kevin Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), said, “Innovation and sophisticated design that reflects elements of the Central Florida community combine to deliver a world-class travel experience. Terminal C will be much more than a transfer point from one place to another. It will serve as a memorable, multi-modal gateway for passengers visiting, living and working in the region.
Photo credit: Matt Good
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