Hok To Play Key Role In Next Expansion Phase Of Washington Dulles

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has selected HOK to design an expansion that will add more than 2.8 million square feet to Dulles International Airport.

The expansion will begin with the Tier 2 development, extending beyond the Tier 2 Concourse East currently under construction.

The design will include a federal inspection services facility for international travelers, with flexibility to accommodate both narrow- and wide-body aircraft for domestic and international flights in future phases.

As part of the overall planning process, HOK will examine all aspects of the airport to enhance operations and elevate the passenger experience to accommodate expected passenger growth.

This includes security processing, baggage handling, airline operations, gate requirements and more.

“As Dulles International Airport continues to break traveler records, it’s important for the airport to strategically plan its spaces for the future,” said Justin Wortman, regional leader of Aviation + Transportation at HOK.

“We’re excited to create a comprehensive plan with MWAA to optimise space at Dulles and accommodates its future needs for airport staff, passengers, airlines, vendors and all other stakeholders.”

According to HOK, the design will prioritise both passenger wellbeing and sustainability through thoughtful choices in lighting, acoustics and materials that create a calming environment for all travellers.

Sustainable design strategies will reduce energy consumption and long-term operational costs.

The design will also celebrate travel in the National Capital Region and honour the architectural significance of Dulles International Airport’s main terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen in the 1960s, while positioning the airport for future growth and innovation.

“Early in my career, I led the design of the main terminal expansion at Dulles and developed a tremendous amount of respect for Eero Saarinen and his work,” said HOK’s design principal, Peter Ruggiero.

“Its design represents the golden age of aviation, and we’re honoured to build on that legacy and collaborate with the MWAA to transform the airport for the future.”

The project will streamline the passenger journey by leveraging the AeroTrain system and other mobility options for efficient terminal navigation.

In addition it will include a new central utility plant for airport infrastructure and upgrades to ramp control systems and baggage handling services.

“Our design will create an exceptional passenger experience while honoring Dulles’ iconic architecture,” added Susan Klumpp Williams, HOK’s co-CEO and managing principal of its Washington DC studio.

“Working with MWAA, we’ll deliver a forward-thinking design that accommodates growth, enhances operational efficiency and creates a sustainable gateway worthy of our National Capital Region.”