The start of construction on Orlando International Airport’s $1.8bn South Terminal Complex (STC) inches closer after reaching the second design benchmark.
The design phase is almost two-thirds complete, with the team of Fentress Architects, HNTB and Schenkel Schultz reaching the 60% threshold. Traditionally, construction projects have percentage completion targets of 30, 60, 90 and 100. Construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2017, with predicted completion in 2020.
The STC design focuses around a campus-style vision called The Boulevard – a corridor that runs the length of the terminal and connects the major civic areas, including the ticket hall and concessions hub.
Other innovative aspects of the new site’s design include an arrivals and baggage claim on the third level with views of central Florida, interactive video displays, and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology on all baggage.
“We’re looking to create a new gateway for Orlando, one that captures the essence of central Florida and enhances the Orlando experience,” said Phil Brown, executive director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
“The south terminal is designed to be intuitive so the passenger is drawn from one element to the next, creating an exciting and memorable arrival into the city of Orlando.”
The first phase of the STC will feature 16 gates with a flexible configuration that will accommodate narrow body, jumbo and super jumbo aircraft.
The STC will serve international and domestic flights, with its associated apron and taxiway spanning 300 acres and the total building program comprising 2.7 million square feet.
By Kirstie Pickering