Newark Liberty International Airport's New Terminal A Revealed at Ribbon Cutting
Earlier this week, the Port Authority of NYNJ (PANYNJ) unveiled their new $2.7B Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Port Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
The new terminal will operate 21 gates in the initial opening and activate all 33 gates in the summer of 2023. The one million-square-foot facility is designed to operate as a common use terminal to offer the greatest flexibility for operations. The new terminal will serve as the Gateway to Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey; therefore, great effort was made to create the sense of place with references to the rich aviation history of the airport and its surrounding metropolitan, rural and shoreline areas.
PGAL was selected by the PANYNJ to develop the programming, planning and design for the terminal to meet the vision of a world class terminal that celebrates the culture, diversity, and broad range of experiences that define New Jersey. PGAL developed a design that focused on open spaces that reinforced intuitive wayfinding and a planned digital presentation from curbside to gate for seamless processing for passengers. High volumes and expansive glazed walls flood the interior with natural light creating a spacious environment for patrons that offer views to the airfield, Port Elizabeth, and the metropolitan area beyond. The design features three concourses that radiate from a central plaza that serves as the core of the commercial development. The departures hall features check-in islands with a range of service options including self-bag drops all to facilitate efficient processing. The security checkpoint offers e-Gate processing and the latest screening technologies to facilitate passenger processing and an expansive post screening space for passengers that overlooks the concourse below to pause and observe the commercial and dynamic presentations are offered to enhance their experience in the terminal. An engaging passenger experience and amenities were paramount in the design offering digital presentations of the history and culture of the region as passengers proceed to their gates. Restrooms are inclusive and include nursing and adult changing facilities that are themed to reinforce the sense of place of New Jersey. Sensory spaces shall provide calming environments for individuals prior to travel. Departure gate areas provide diverse seating, integrated children’s play areas and concessions that provide local commercial eateries reinforcing the connection to the surrounding region.
The PGAL design was used as the basis for the selection of a design-builder to execute the project and maintained the original form and function of the terminal. PGAL served as the Executive Architect for the redevelopment program and assisted the Port to integrate the commercial and advertising programs, passenger digital experience, and local art program in the terminal. PGAL also worked with the Port Authority to expand the arrivals curbside experience with multiple curb frontages that segregate passenger and commercial vehicles and guide passengers with digital signage. The arrivals curbside also features a suspended programmable LED light structure that culminates the arriving passenger experience.