New Terminal Proposed for Dulles International Airport by Multiple Firms
Dulles International Airport, located on the Fairfax/Loudoun county border, has been the subject of a recent proposal for revitalization. The U. S. Department of Transportation requested proposals in early December for ways to update and improve the airport, which they claim is currently in a state of disrepair. The call for proposals drew responses from over two dozen architectural and engineering firms, technology companies, and other parties before the submission period closed on January 20th.
Proposed Changes
The proposals range in scope from minor updates to a full redesign of the airport.
– A dedicated terminal for diplomatic visits
– An autonomous shuttle system
– A conversion of the main terminal into a museum
– Telework and “wellness” pods for travelers
– A new terminal and concourse complex adjacent to the existing Saarinen terminal
– An underground network of electric, autonomous vehicles
– Direct Jet Transports to carry passengers from a single terminal to their planes
– A new express drop-off facility and concessions area
– A new passenger processing facility
– A dedicated Head of State Terminal for welcoming diplomats and dignitaries
– A “fully connected train system” to replace the current mobile lounges
– A “microgrid” to provide electricity to the airport and the local power grid
Preserving the Main Terminal
Some applicants have proposed preserving the iconic main terminal designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and opened in 1962. Ironbridge P3 Infrastructure, a Vienna-based investment and consulting firm, suggested a plan that would preserve the terminal as a national aviation museum, VIP terminal, and ceremonial space. Others, such as architectural firm Bermello Ajamil and Partners, have provided renderings of a new terminal that would bear the name of President Donald Trump.
Preservation advocates, such as the Art Deco Society of Washington and Docomomo DC, have urged the U. S. Department of Transportation to only consider proposals that preserve the main terminal’s design. They argue that the terminal is a symbol of American innovation and design excellence and should not be demolished or altered irreversibly.
Review Process
It is unclear when the Trump administration will decide which proposals to pursue, but the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), which manages Dulles Airport, has stated that they will work with the U. S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to review the submissions.
At a recent MWAA board meeting, President and CEO John Potter acknowledged that Dulles Airport has faced criticism in the past, but believes it has made significant progress in the last decade. He expressed excitement about the future prospects of the airport.
Conclusion
Dulles International Airport may soon undergo major changes, with proposals ranging from minor updates to a complete redesign. The proposed changes aim to revitalize the airport and make it a more efficient and modern international gateway to the nation’s capital.