Besides getting an NHL team for the first time since 1996, residents of Winnipeg have another reason to celebrate. Officially opened this past Sunday, October 30, the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport has a brand-new terminal. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the new terminal is the greenest one in Canada. The terminal, which draws design inspiration from Manitoba’s vast prairies and sky, will be the first freestanding airport building in Canada to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. This type of certification provides verification that the structure was designed and built using strategies intended to improve performance in metrics such as energy savings, water efficiency and CO2 emissions reduction. Sustainable design measures in the new terminal include natural lighting and advanced mechanical systems to reduce the building’s energy consumption. Andrew Rivkin is pleased to see that the environment played a crucial role in the design and building of the terminal.
An outside view of the new terminal at James Armstrong International Airport
In terms of physical design, the building is long and low with a floating silver roof. Skylights, an atrium, and windows fill the terminal with light. Passengers can see through the building, across the prairie and to downtown Winnipeg. These views create a strong sense of place, while views of the airfield make it easy for passengers to find their planes. Glass boarding bridges also help to orient passengers, giving them an immediate glimpse into the terminal upon arrival. Being an aviation enthusiast, Andrew Rivkin likes the added design of glass boarding bridges, a design not commonly found in airports.
As an innovator, Andrew Rivkin is pleased that the airport does not have set check-in stations. This allows for any airline operating out of the airport to use any check-in station. Andrew Rivkin believes that this updated check-in process will catch-on at other airports around the world making for a more pleasurable traveling experience.
Andrew Rivkin is looking forward to the next time his travels take him to the heart of the Canadian Prairies.
For further information regarding the new terminal please check the airport’s website:
Winnipeg James Armstrong International Airport