The second phase of Terminal 2 will feature 15 new shops and restaurants, including Brooks Brothers, Brighton Collectibles, Five Guys and Jason's Deli. It also includes 17 new gates, a Starbucks located pre-security, an expanded security checkpoint and dedicated meet-and-greet area.
Architectural Highlights the Region
Built under the theme handmade and mind-made, the undulating roofline of Terminal 2 resembles the rolling hills of the Piedmont Region. The building's three key elements are glass, steel and wood, which speak to the high-tech nature of industry in the Research Triangle Region, as well as to its heritage of craftsmanship.
The crown of Terminal 2 is its signature mast and canopy, which weighs 150,000 pounds and stretches 90 feet high. Inside, a three story central atrium will mark the main entrance of the terminal and allow natural light to flood down into the bag claim level.
Other key elements include column-free, open spaces to guide passengers easily through the building, a glass curtain wall that allows natural light to wash over interior finishes and provides panoramic views of the outdoors. The design also features dynamic curbside canopies that welcome passengers to the building.
Architect Receives Award
To design RDU's first new passenger terminal in more than 20 years, the Airport Authority chose Greensboro-native and N.C. State Graduate Curtis Fentress. His company, Fentress Architects, has designed airports around the world including Denver International Airport, Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea and, most recently, the new international terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.
Earlier this year, Fentress was awarded the American Institute of Architects' Thomas Jefferson Award. The prestigious honor is the organization's highest award for public architecture.
Construction on Terminal 2 began in 2005; phase one opened in October 2008. The new terminal replaced an ageing former American Airlines hub building that lacked adequate ticketing and baggage claim space and was built to be used by a single airline.
When phase two opens, Continental and U.S. Airways will move to the new terminal. At the same time Air Canada and United Airlines will shift gates from Concourse C to Concourse D. American Airlines, Delta and Midwest Airlines will continue to occupy Concourse C of Terminal 2. |
