Just months after Pittsburgh International received a major facelift with its $1.7 billion terminal, the airport is joining the ranks of the world’s most picturesque.
Prix Versailles, a French architectural competition, has included Pittsburgh International on its list of the seven most beautiful airports in the world, along with larger airports such as San Diego International Airport, Frankfurt Airport in Germany and Navi Mumbai International Airport in India.
Spanish architect Luis Vidal designed Pittsburgh’s new terminal alongside the firms Gensler and HDR following his “NaTeCo” philosophy — a blend of nature, technology and community. Prix Versailles officials praised the terminal’s roof in particular, which Vidal modeled after Western Pennsylvania’s rolling hills.
The terminal’s interior features columns meant to evoke trees and has several large windows to let in natural light.
“The new terminal blends seamlessly into Pittsburgh’s landscape, celebrating it,” Vidal said in a release. “From the very first day, we designed the terminal to belong equally to the city and to the natural territory surrounding it, becoming a two-way extension — an extension to the city and an extension to the landscape.”
Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis called the terminal’s appearance on Prix Versailles’ list “an extraordinary honor.”
“This terminal was built by Pittsburghers, for Pittsburgh,” she said. “It showcases our region’s innovation, craftsmanship and hospitality while creating an airport experience that reflects the character and pride of our community.”
Keny Marshall, Pittsburgh International’s arts and culture manager, pointed out the terminal’s outdoor terraces and extensive decorations as reasons why the airport deserved recognition.
Fifteen artists — mostly Western Pennsylvanians — contributed original works inside and outside the facility, from the wood-framed Flight Information Displays to the aluminum leaves pressed onto the terminal’s terrazzo floor.
“I certainly think we’ve worked very hard not just on the architecture and on the space, but on the art program,” Marshall said. “It’s one of the most beautiful spaces that you could come into.”