Airport Experience® News - Food & Beverage Issue 2025

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

weighing 700 to 1250 tons – are precisely positioned over their final foundations and lowered into place. Module transport and placement on the existing concourse happens at nighttime, over the course of only a few hours. Once in place, the modules are carefully stitched together to enclose the building envelope and tie in building systems so work can continue on the building interior. The modular expansions allow for new gates or walkways to be opened, which in turn facilitates traditional construction at the gates on the opposing side over the existing concourse. “At a busy airport like ATL, it’s a carefully coordinated effort to get the modules into place in one night. We have a team of 300-350 people from the contractor, the engineers, surveyors, airport operations, and of course Mammoet, the mover, working to inspect the structural system and make sure everything is lining up correctly,” says Ross Payton, aviation studio leader and principal at Corgan. “Basically, when the airport shuts down for the night we move in, and by the time airport operations start again in the morning, the new module is in place for the interior finish out.” In April 2024, the first modular pieces were put in place, marking a new era of innovation and possibility in modern airport design. Using this type of modular design and construction greatly decreases the gate down time – in this case, the modular construction schedule saves ATL months of gate closures. The project is estimated to be completed in summer 2029, with a combination of 19 modules, traditional construction over existing building and follow on interior fit outs. Putting it All Together The new Concourse D will include 34 aircraft positions, all of which can accommodate Group III aircraft, resulting in an 18% increase in airplane seats available. Updates include expanded concessions options for travelers, restrooms that are twice as large, and spacious hold rooms that are double in size, providing an additional 2,400 seats. Floor-to-ceiling windows,

18-foot ceilings, and insulated metal cladding building envelopes with newly envisioned gate portals allow for intuitive wayfinding compared to the original cramped interior environment. “From both the perspective of the passenger experience and ATL’s ability to maintain and operate the facility, we’re creating a much better environment,” Payton says. “It has a lot more natural light, a lot more circulation space, with the all-new amenities and concession program. So, it really becomes a new experience for everyone.” The modern design connects seamlessly with the existing center point. A single row of interior columns optimizes a 30-foot-wide central circulation along the spine of each pier, maximizing sight lines to enhance wayfinding for the passenger journey. The airport is targeting LEED Silver status for the concourse project, with sustainable features including energy efficient systems, higher ceilings and 14-foot-tall windows that offer ample natural daylight and sprawling views. “Using modular construction for the Concourse D widening reduces gate downtime time by 20% – that helps our airlines continuously serve passengers without interruption, preserving hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that would otherwise be lost,” said Rucker. “Our vision is a more efficient, more beautiful concourse that will serve ATL’s millions of passengers for decades to come.” “From both the perspective of the passenger experience and ATL’s ability to maintain and operate the facility, we’re creating a much better environment.” – Ross Payton, aviation studio leader and principal, Corgan

Above: Ross Payton, aviation studio leader and principal, Corgan.

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AX NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2025