Portfolio : Civic/Public
Fairbanks International Airport, Terminal Area Improvements
Fairbanks, Alaska
In 2003, Bettisworth North was commissioned to develop a comprehensive Fairbanks Airport Terminal Area Development Plan. This Plan addressed facility systems deficiencies, recent security related domestic and international passenger security screening requirements, and addresses existing functional deficiencies in passenger check-in and arrival, and baggage handling systems. The Terminal Area Development Plan provided a plan for future additions necessary to accommodate domestic or international passenger growth.
Airport passenger terminals are to the traveling public and visitor the “face” of a community—the community’s identity. With this in mind, the FAI Terminal Area Development Plan, in an integrated and comprehensive way, represents the spirit, future, scenic beauty, warmth and friendliness of Interior Alaska.
The overall goal in this planning effort was to offer a cost effective plan of improvements which provided for an upgraded Fairbanks International Terminal that would be attractive, functional, and efficient. All improvements provide for a basic facility which can effectively provide good service over the near term and which can easily be expanded to accommodate growth over the longer term. These improvements evoke an image and a character appropriate to this terminal’s function as the gateway to Interior Alaska. Selection of natural materials (wood, stone, metal), orientation to mountain and upland views, and the provision of daylight into all occupied spaces all contribute to the terminal’s image and character as it relates to its location at the United States northern frontier and a latitude of 64 degrees north.
Current Terminal additions and renovations total 143,000 sq. ft. at a total construction cost of $70 million. The terminal was substantially complete in May of 2009, and final completion of all site work and original building demolition was completed in October 2009.