Published on : Tuesday, December 3, 2013
SFO is nearing completion of Boarding Area E, the first phase of Terminal 3’s renovation. Home to United Airlines, Boarding Area E is scheduled to re-open to travelers on January 28, 2014. The $138 million project has completely transformed the boarding area to meet the needs of today’s modern travelers. Key features of the new Boarding Area were highlighted at a hard hat tour today, including high-tech interactive displays, thoughtful amenities, local dining and shopping options and a sustainable design expected to achieve LEED® Gold certification.
The renovation of Terminal 3East (T3E) is a capital program that includes two projects: the 68,000-square foot Boarding Area E, the eastern pier of Terminal 3; and the 150,000-square foot connecting eastern concourse to Boarding Area F.
Originally constructed in 1981, Boarding Area E offers 10 gates for United Airlines guests. Renovated through a design-build partnership between Hensel Phelps, Gensler and the KPA Group, the updated boarding area will offer more spacious waiting areas, natural lighting and sweeping views, luxury amenities, unique local retail and dining options, and thoughtful spaces for business travelers and families. Upon re-opening in January, the new boarding area will be able to accommodate customers on more than 50 arrivals and 50 departures each day.
The next phase of the T3E project will be the connecting concourse between Boarding Area E and Boarding Area F that includes a state-of-the-art security checkpoint with up to 10 lanes and new “wait time” technology, an additional three gates, and expanded concessions and guest amenities. With a budget of $209 million, this portion of the project will re-open in phases between July 2014 and July 2015. During the concourse renovation, passengers will be able to easily connect between Boarding Areas E and F through a temporary passageway, featuring contemporary finishes and varied seating options to enhance the passenger journey.
“SFO continues to push the envelope for modern, sustainable design that exceeds expectations and redefines the travel experience,” said John L. Martin, Director of San Francisco International Airport. “Beautifully and intuitively designed, Terminal 3E is a showcase of the best of San Francisco – from locally grown retail and dining options, to the best technology for travelers, to works of art by local artists.”
“Like San Francisco, Gensler’s design for Boarding Area E will offer people a diverse and rich cultural experience from pop-up retail shops from local vendors to healthy Bay Area food offerings,” said Peter Weingarten, Principal, Gensler. “Passengers can relax in the yoga room or enjoy the Airport’s award winning art program while overlooking the airfield or the commissioned art designed to engage children in the play area.”
“The new terminal area will offer customers flying to and from San Francisco the unique, world-class experience they expect from the world’s leading airline,” said Kate Gebo, United’s Vice President of Corporate Real Estate. “We are pleased to join with our partners here to ensure that the west coast’s premier gateway remains one of the most modern, flyer-friendly airport facilities in the nation.”
“SFO’s new Boarding Area E, Terminal 3 reflects San Francisco’s reputation as a hub for innovation and creativity,” said Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny. “With each new renovation project, the San Francisco Arts Commission has an opportunity to engage artists in reimagining the airport experience. The latest projects by Eric Staller and Merge are both captivating and will transport viewers on a journey before they embark on their real trip.”
Guest Comfort & Convenience
Created expressly for the modern traveler, Boarding Area E features intuitive design, luxurious amenities and innovative technology. Key guest elements include:
Comfortable and diverse seating options, including the iconic Fritz Hansen “egg” chairs and swivel lounge chairs;
The “Flight Deck” – an interactive infotainment area for guests to enjoy and explore;
Interactive wayfinding displays that allow guests to download important airport information directly to their phones;
Nine state-of-the-art work stations and access to over 375 power outlets;
Interactive kids play area designed by Bay Area artist Eric Staller;
Spacious, 5-star restrooms with private dressing areas;
Private nursing area with comfortable loungers for mothers and children;
SFO’s second Yoga Room, following on the success of the Yoga Room in T2;
In partnership with the San Francisco Arts Commission, two new commissioned pieces by local and California-based artists will be on display and numerous works will be re-installed, including Wayne Thiebaud’s “18th Street Downgrade”
23’-high window wall offering up-close views of the airfield and the Bay Area beyond;
A taste of the Bay Area with dining and concessions from local vendors.
Mindful Design
Designed and built to achieve LEED® Gold certification, Boarding Area E has multiple features that reduce carbon emissions while also creating a more healthful environment for travelers and staff. These features include:
Natural lighting through windows, skylights and clerestories that reduce electricity requirements during daylight hours;
Photovoltaic panels that provide an onsite, renewable energy source;
Locally-sourced materials such as Heath tiles from Sausalito;
Displacement ventilation that filters air to improve air quality while using less energy;
Recycling and management of demolition and construction waste;
Cool roof technology featuring a high emissivity coating which emits infrared energy while reflecting the sun’s energy to assist in reducing the heat transferred into the building below and thus reducing energy costs;
Sustainable building materials such as terrazzo flooring with recycled glass chips, recycled-content carpet and wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Bay Area residents can get a sneak preview of Boarding Area E before it opens at a Community Open House on Saturday, January 25, 2014. The boarding area will open to passengers on Tuesday, January 28, 2014. A timeline follows:
January 25, 2014 – Community Open House
January 28 – Boarding Area E opens including re-opening the United ticket counters
January 28 – Temporary post-security corridor opens for passenger access between Boarding Areas E and F
May 2014 – Temporary United Red Carpet Club will open
Late Summer 2014 – New Security Checkpoint with up to 10 lanes and United’s Global Services reception area
Source:- SFO
Tags: Airline News
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