KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 22, 2011) – The Wichita Mid-Continent Airport earned a Gold Award for the design of its new terminal at the 4th Annual Mid-America Design Awards presented by the International Interior Design Association.

The new airport terminal — designed by HNTB Architecture, in association with GLMV Architecture — was recognized in the “Unbuilt” category. Critique was based upon innovation, implementation of design through use of materials, color, light and overall solution. The award was presented on May 6 in Overland Park, Kan.

HNTB prepared the design for the new 12-gate, 265,000 square feet terminal building to replace the airport’s existing terminal. Incorporated into the project were various sustainable design elements with a goal of achieving a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certified rating when construction is completed.

“We were charged with creating a facility that spoke to the important role aviation has played in the city,” said Wes Crosby, director of design, interior architecture, HNTB. “A key component of this new terminal provides space for a special exhibition highlighting Wichita’s rich aviation heritage as the ‘Air Capital of the World’ since more aircraft have been built in Wichita than anywhere else in the world. All spaces are naturally lit supplemented by electric lighting, and the generous glazing and skylights maintain a link with the outside and its changing sky.”

The terminal design has two floors. The first is for arriving and departing passengers, ticketing, retail, baggage claim, ground transportation, and airline and operations support. The second floor includes exhibit space, security, retail, food venues, and departure and arrival gates.

“Major interior finishes include perforated stainless steel wall panels, terracotta wall systems and terrazzo floors. All finishes were selected to be durable with high appearance retention and have a timeless quality to them,” said Philip Hannon, architecture project manager, HNTB. “The goal was to create a sustainable aesthetic that would serve the facility well over its life.”

The terminal design was completed in 2010, but start of construction was on hold until improvements in the local economy were seen. The Wichita City Council voted on June 21, 2011, to re-start the project and advertise for construction bids.
“We are really excited about moving forward with bidding of our new airline terminal perhaps later this year, and are looking ahead with great anticipation to a possible opening day sometime in 2015,” said Victor White, director of airports for the Wichita Airport Authority.

About IIDA
The International Interior Design Association works to enhance the quality of life through excellence in design. IIDA is a professional networking and educational association with a worldwide membership of 12,000, which includes 30 international chapters. The IIDA Mid-America Chapter consists of Kansas City, St. Louis and Wichita, Kan.

About HNTB
HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving federal, state, municipal, military and private clients. With nearly a century of service, HNTB has the insight to understand the life cycle of infrastructure and the perspective to solve the most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide provide award-winning planning, design, program management consulting and construction management services. For more information, visit www.hntb.com.