The Portland Airport, otherwise known as PDX has gotten a new and captivating design update that may be one of its most impressive components yet. ZGF, which is a nationwide architecture firm has integrated glulam for the large roof canopy that is not only progressive but also sustainable. It nods to the local ecology and celebrates the deeply rooted cultural traditions.
Standard glass and steel are the material used at most airports and the surrounding area is known for its dense forests and lumber trade. Chief Projects Officer at the Port of Portland, Vince Granato shares, “With the new PDX, we wanted travelers to know they were in the Pacific Northwest before they even left the airport. And for locals, we wanted it to feel like home. Creating that sense of place started with ZGF’s spectacular design, which was brought to life by thousands of local craftspeople."
Image Credit: Ema Peter
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Sustainable Architecture
- The use of glulam in the Portland Airport roof canopy highlights a move towards environmentally friendly construction materials.
- Local Craftsmanship
- Involving thousands of local craftspeople in the construction of the PDX canopy underscores the trend of embracing and showcasing regional artisanal skills.
- Sense of Place Design
- ZGF’s design for the PDX airport canopy emphasizes the growing trend of creating spaces that reflect and celebrate regional identity and culture.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture and Design
- Incorporating sustainable materials like glulam offers the architecture industry a greener method to achieve large-scale, aesthetic projects.
- Travel and Tourism
- Creating distinctive airport designs that reflect local culture can enhance the travel experience, making airports more than just transit points.
- Timber and Lumber
- The integration of locally sourced timber in commercial projects like airport canopies can stimulate the lumber industry and promote sustainable forestry practices.
