That travel derives from ancient words for torment and agony will surprise no one whos worked in or journeyed through an airport since 2001. Passengers and the people who serve them improvise heroically to modern travels multiple challenges. But in Fog City, the skies are clearing.
Renowned the world over for incubating hi-tech innovation, San Franciscos latest aviation advance represents the future of flying and a rediscovery of bygone sensibilities. True to the citys character, the newly renovated San Francisco International Airport Terminal 2 SFO T2 showcases sustainable design, but it also revives a classic concern for the passenger experience and romance of air travel. It is an airport built for people and planet without compromising on style or functionality.
Designed to reflect the Bay Areas culture and aesthetic, the newly renovated SFO T2 accommodates 14 gates serving Virgin America and American Airlines. The terminal elevates the passenger experience of flying through design strategies that reduce traveler stress, highlight the airports art installations and promote progressive sustainability measures.
De-stress, Recompose
With an emphasis on service, hospitality and comfort, SFO T2 features a post-security Recompose area, a meeters-and-greeters lounge, hotel-inspired seating and locally sourced, organic dining options. The first LEED Gold-certified terminal in the United States, T2 supports SFOs goals of zero waste, sustainable education and reduced carbon footprint.
Setting the tone for T2, the groundbreaking Recompose area is distinguished by copious natural light and gracious seating. Here, passengers benefit from a purposeful place to regroup, collect belongings and check their flight status before continuing on to the retail concourse and departures lounge.
Because the Bay Areas cuisine enjoys international acclaim, the regions food culture is celebrated throughout the terminal. Inspired by San Franciscos historic Ferry Building, T2s retail concourse offers a distinctive selection of locally sourced, wholesome foods, including restaurants from celebrity chefs Cat Cora and Tyler Florence.
Sustainable Innovation
Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, T2 is the nations first LEED Gold terminal. The 383 million, 640,000-square-foot facility houses features that should enlighten as they inspire sustainable living.
SFO T2s design will yield energy savings 15 percent above Californias stringent building code requirements that amount to a 170,000 reduction in annual facility costs. Beyond operating efficiently, T2 engages community involvement in its design and programming. The sustainable agenda includes progressive composting and recycling, complete with signage that explains and promotes the programs benefits to airport employees and passengers.
Art Design
SFO is the first U.S. airport accredited as a museum; and T2s design highlights unique work by world-renowned artists, each complementing Genslers design themes of clouds and flight. Norie Satos Air Over Under adorns the exterior faade, as Kendall Busters Topograph welcomes passengers into the main ticketing hall.
In the Recompose area that follows from the security lanes, a dramatic ceiling sculpture by internationally acclaimed Janet Echelman creates a sense of dynamism and delight. Two childrens play areas in the departures lounge showcase installations by San Francisco artists Walter Kitundu and Charles Sowers. Their interactive artworks provide travelers of all ages a playful oasis, highlighting local wildlife and nature.