January/February 2024 - 36

PROJECT OF THE MONTH
Future-Ready
Design Elements
Wyatt said a large part of the planning
and design of The New SLC was not
just laying out the groundwork for the
current project, but also thinking about
future projects and how those might be
incorporated.
A great example of this is a heavy
automated people mover (APM) system
designed for future phases.
" While the initial opening of the
tunnel focuses on pedestrians with
moving walkways and shuttles, the train
tunnels are concealed and will be activated
for future expansion, " Needham said.
Needham said considering the complexity
of building a new airport, certain
key elements must be considered for
future expansion and smooth transitions.
" Flexibility is crucial. The design must
accommodate changes that cannot be
anticipated, allowing for easy expansion
of gates, processing facilities, and
other essential services, " he said. " The
team's collaborative efforts are vital in
addressing the challenges of keeping
the existing airport operational during
construction. "
Needham said airports need to aim
for a framework designed to last 50-plus
years, providing room for growth and
adaptation. Considering the airport as
a self-contained city, the design should
prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and
a sense of place.
Wyatt stressed the importance of
flexibility in airport design to accommodate
future changes. " Build flexibility
in because none of us really knows
exactly where things are headed. "
Creating a Sense of Place
" One of the things the city did very
early on that I think was just visionary
was asking people here in Utah, 'What
do you want to see in a new airport?', "
Wyatt said. " A constant theme came up,
which is we want people to know where
they are, even if they're not leaving the
airport. So, the colors, the textures, the
art all reflect that. "
A view of Terminal A.
Upon entering the airport, visitors
will be greeted by a stunning visual
representation of Utah's slot canyons
depicted in 3D on the walls, highlighted
by orange, blue, purple and yellow lights.
Throughout the airport, the slot canyons
continue to make an appearance from
unique and fun furniture to artist installations
featured throughout the tunnels.
The Central Tunnel, also known
as the River Tunnel, is a key feature
of Phase Three, designed to transport
passengers both physically and mentally.
" The canyon design in the main terminal
reflects the geological layers found
in southern Utah, " Needham explained,
" The art in the River Tunnel represents
36 \ AIRPORT BUSINESS / JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
the erosion process that created these slot
canyons, offering passengers a unique
and immersive experience during their
journey. "
The emphasis on creating a sense of
place for all travelers continues throughout
the airport by " integrating local elements,
such as the copper sheen exterior
representing copper mining, and the
" family room " for welcoming returning
loved ones, reflects a commitment to
making the airport a unique and meaningful
experience for all, " said Needham.
The " family room " , AKA post-security
waiting area, featuring cozy chairs, a
fireplace and restaurant, can be found as
travelers make their way to baggage claim.
Central Tunnel (River Tunnel) while under construction.
January/February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January/February 2024
