PDX Terminal Balancing & Concourse E Extension

Designers from Hennebery Eddy and Fentress Architects collaborated on the extension of Concourse E and improvements to existing facilities that balanced the number of passengers using the north and south sides of Portland International Airport. By extending the concourse more than 800 feet, the project added seven new contact gates, two ground-load gates, concessions, and other amenities while creating improved airline operational spaces. Thoughtfully integrated with the existing airport campus and reflective of the region’s natural environment, the extension offers a uniquely Portland experience throughout the concourse, prioritizes energy efficiency, and is designed for resilience and future adaptations. This $215 million project is part of the larger “PDXNext” campaign to continue modernizing one of America’s Best Airport (several years running!).

Poised as an impactful gateway to the airport, the extension is designed to be complementary in materials and form to the architecture of the airport campus. Taking advantage of its orientation, the concourse extension features a sweeping window wall that washes the interior spaces with daylight. Inside, the public areas feature a welcoming and durable palette of custom-designed and regionally inspired materials. Soft lighting balances abundant daylight to give passengers an intuitive sense of place and connection to the outside, while also meeting universal design goals. The new Concourse E was designed as a column-free structure to further increase access to views and ease circulation. Opened to the public in July 2020, the project is certified LEED Gold, featuring intensive energy and water conservation measures and the use of recycled and locally made materials, in addition to the extensive daylighting.