Aug. 26. 2024
Reviewed by David Vi Boi Huynh, BOI ARCHI DESIGN
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Terminal 2, designed by SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), was a significant architectural project completed in 2000, with extensive renovation and reopening in 2011. SOM, a globally recognized architecture firm, is known for its modernist approach, blending form, functionality, and sustainability in designs that push the boundaries of architecture.
1. Concept
SOM's design for SFO Terminal 2 aimed to create a forward-thinking and passenger-focused environment, enhancing both functionality and comfort. The primary goals of the design included:
SOM's design for SFO Terminal 2 aimed to create a forward-thinking and passenger-focused environment, enhancing both functionality and comfort. The primary goals of the design included:
- Passenger Experience: The design emphasized ease of navigation and a seamless experience for travelers, integrating intuitive wayfinding, open spaces, and abundant natural light.
- Sustainability: Environmental considerations played a significant role, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. This was particularly relevant in the 2011 renovation, which aimed for LEED Gold certification.
- Modern Aesthetic: SOM’s approach to form in SFO Terminal 2 reflects modernist principles. The design focused on clean lines, open spaces, and a minimalist yet functional style, which was meant to reduce stress and create a serene environment.
- Community and Culture: The design incorporated spaces for art and culture, allowing passengers to experience local art and reflecting the Bay Area’s creative identity.
- Sustainability: Environmental considerations played a significant role, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. This was particularly relevant in the 2011 renovation, which aimed for LEED Gold certification.
- Modern Aesthetic: SOM’s approach to form in SFO Terminal 2 reflects modernist principles. The design focused on clean lines, open spaces, and a minimalist yet functional style, which was meant to reduce stress and create a serene environment.
- Community and Culture: The design incorporated spaces for art and culture, allowing passengers to experience local art and reflecting the Bay Area’s creative identity.
2. Design Details
Natural Light and Space: SOM designed the terminal to maximize the use of natural light, enhancing the passenger experience and reducing the need for artificial lighting. Skylights and large windows allow light to flood the concourses and gate areas, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
Open Floor Plans: The layout of the terminal was created with large, open spaces, allowing easy flow of passengers and clear visibility of destinations such as gates, restaurants, and amenities. This contributes to reducing passenger stress and enhancing the experience of travel.
3. Sustainable Design Features
- Energy Efficiency: The building incorporates energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.
- Water Conservation: SFO Terminal 2 uses reclaimed water for flushing toilets and irrigation, reflecting the airport’s commitment to sustainability.
- Sustainable Materials: Many of the materials used in the terminal’s construction were sourced sustainably, contributing to the building’s eco-friendly footprint.
- Art Integration: Art installations are a central feature of the terminal, with local artists contributing to the overall aesthetic, creating a sense of place that ties the airport to San Francisco's cultural heritage.
- Energy Efficiency: The building incorporates energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.
- Water Conservation: SFO Terminal 2 uses reclaimed water for flushing toilets and irrigation, reflecting the airport’s commitment to sustainability.
- Sustainable Materials: Many of the materials used in the terminal’s construction were sourced sustainably, contributing to the building’s eco-friendly footprint.
- Art Integration: Art installations are a central feature of the terminal, with local artists contributing to the overall aesthetic, creating a sense of place that ties the airport to San Francisco's cultural heritage.
4. Formgiving and Impact on the Future
SOM’s design for SFO Terminal 2 embodies the firm's philosophy of formgiving, which blends aesthetics with functionality and forward-thinking innovation. By integrating sustainability, modern materials, and thoughtful design focused on the passenger experience, SOM contributed a "good form" to both the present and future of architecture.
SOM’s design for SFO Terminal 2 embodies the firm's philosophy of formgiving, which blends aesthetics with functionality and forward-thinking innovation. By integrating sustainability, modern materials, and thoughtful design focused on the passenger experience, SOM contributed a "good form" to both the present and future of architecture.
Sustainability: The design’s focus on sustainable practices set a precedent for future airport designs. Achieving LEED Gold certification demonstrates a commitment to the environment, ensuring that the terminal minimizes its carbon footprint and contributes to a sustainable future.
Human-Centric Design: The focus on passenger comfort, open spaces, and a stress-free environment enhances the overall experience of travel. This design philosophy has influenced other airport terminals globally, emphasizing the importance of blending form with human well-being.
Technological Innovation: The incorporation of energy-efficient systems and smart design solutions laid the groundwork for future airport developments. It showcases how architecture can advance through sustainable technology while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
5. Conclusion:
Yes, SOM's work on SFO Terminal 2 exemplifies architecture’s role in shaping not only functional spaces but also in contributing to the future of sustainable, human-centered design. The firm successfully integrated form and function with a clear vision of environmental responsibility and passenger comfort, setting a benchmark for modern airport design. Their work on SFO Terminal 2 certainly gave a good "form" to the world, creating a lasting impact on both architectural design and sustainable practices in the aviation sector.
Yes, SOM's work on SFO Terminal 2 exemplifies architecture’s role in shaping not only functional spaces but also in contributing to the future of sustainable, human-centered design. The firm successfully integrated form and function with a clear vision of environmental responsibility and passenger comfort, setting a benchmark for modern airport design. Their work on SFO Terminal 2 certainly gave a good "form" to the world, creating a lasting impact on both architectural design and sustainable practices in the aviation sector.
