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Issue link: http://airportbusiness.epubxp.com/i/618921
COVER STORY The 221-foot air traffic control tower features a graceful flaring base with an offset cab of glass at the top, giving it a distinct look resembling that of a wine glass or Olympic torch. A ribbon of glass stretches up the base, reflecting the sparkling waters of the bay during the day and illuminating the darkness with ribbons of color at night. And yet, though the new construction at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) pro- vides a distinctive and unique silhouette, it also strikes a harmonious chord with the airport's surroundings. Construction crews recently complet- ed the impressive $70 million tower—paid for with FAA funds—to replace the exist- ing control tower atop Terminal 2. The goal for the project—besides constructing a functional air traffic control tower that meets today's seismic codes—was fashioning an aesthetically pleasing structure that blends in with the airport's existing buildings. "We were very sensitive to building a tower that not only fit well within our passenger ter- minals, but we also wanted to it be an iconic landmark at SFO," says Doug Yakel, the airport's public information officer. "Our goal all along was to end up with something that wasn't just utilitarian and functional in nature, but also meshed well with our developing terminal design aesthetic." The airport also needed the tower to be envi- ronmentally friendly. SFO, known for opening the first LEED Gold terminal in the world in 2011, mandates that all new airport structures achieve LEED Gold certification. It is anticipated that this new building—with its extensive water and energy saving features—will be no exception. "With this airport traffic control tower, SFO is again leading the way with innovative, sus- tainable design," Airport Director John Martin says. "This facility will provide both a functional space for our partners at the FAA and an iconic landmark, which will be recognizable to trav- elers round the world." NOT A LOLLIPOP ON A STICK The new air traffic control tower replaces a tower that has been operating since 1983 and was determined to be seismically deficient after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The airport plans to demolish the old tower and terminal office tower down to Level 3 of the Terminal 2 building after the FAA is confident the new tower is functioning properly and removes its electronics from the facility. An FA A siting study determined the best location for the new tower was between Terminals 1 and 2, giving air traffic control- lers optimal airfield views from the tower cab. To allow for central elevators and stairwells, architects offset the tower's glass cab, position- ing it closer to the airfield to improve sightlines and accommodate state-of-the-art electronics. The offset position also gives the structure a uniquely graceful appearance and pro- vides air traffic controllers—up to eight on duty at a time—with a sweeping view of the airfield. From their perch in the new tower, slated to open for business in July 2016, air traffic controllers will have unobstructed views of planes as they take off from an almost parallel vantage point and head toward the San Bruno Mountains then veer off to the East or the West. "The original tower was not as tall as this one, and the runways had been extended since it was built, so air traffic control officials didn't have as good a view of the airfield as they once had," Curtis Fentress, principal in charge of desig n for Fentress Architects, explains. Airport officials also sought a unique appearance for the tower. Some people describe most towers as a lollipop on a stick. "If you look at some FAA towers, they're pretty standard and very symmetric," says Mark Costanzo, project manager for the air- port. "We didn't want that—they are not very elegant. We wanted something more iconic that n iconic and towering structure rises along the San Francisco Bay area skyline—and it's safe to say it's unlike any other. TOP TOWER FEATURES THE NEW TOWER represents thousands of planning, design and construction hours. The result is a distinctive, iconic structure with a number of special features. f The 221-foot flared tower features an LED backlit glass waterfall that stretches 147 feet into the air. f The tower is designed to achieve LEED Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council. f The design offers seismic fluidity and wind stability . It can remain operational after a magnitude 8 seismic event. f The cab has an unobstructed 270-degree view of runways and taxiways. f Non-public rooftop terrace for FAA controllers that features a rooftop garden of drought- resistant plant species and a picnic area. December 2015/Jan uary 2016 airportbusiness 13