Global commerce and the unprecedented demand for travel and have resulted in the proliferation of airports around the world. In their short history, terminal buildings have been criticized for employing generic architectural forms that are unapologetically disconnected from their context and cultural identity. Technical complexity and functional design have often taken precedence over quality and comfort for users.

In less than a century, the airport has emerged as a new architectural typology that is as important as other large-scale public buildings such as museums, libraries, temples, and courthouses. Airports are among the most complex and highly frequented transportation hubs, but they are also increasingly important places for work, commerce, recreation, and culture. The rapid evolution of airports necessitates the incorporation of the latest developments in technology, design, and social trends around the globe.

Participants of the FGC are encouraged to re-envision the terminal building in the year 2075. Concepts will integrate Fentress’ Touchstone 2: Use context to create identity. Context is more than an intellectual consideration of the history or physical appearance of a neighborhood, city or state, and it’s more than the way new will live with old. Context draws on the senses and memories that define a place and make it unique. Context grows from community, and people respond to it.

Based in logic, beauty and humanism, our Eight Touchstones of Design™ form the foundation for our approach to public architecture and guide our “patient search” to discover the art inside.