“Canada’s greenest airport” to be LEED certified

Canada’s greenest airport terminal, designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects in collaboration with Stantec, opened Sunday at the Winnipeg  James Armstrong  Richardson International  Airport. The terminal, which draws design inspiration from Manitoba’s vast prairies and sky, will be the first freestanding airport building in Canada to be LEED certified.

“We are delighted to have designed a new gateway for Winnipeg,” said Fred Clarke, FAIA, Senior Principal of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. “This building not only captures the city’s distinctive landscape, but also makes flying enjoyable for
passengers.”

The building is long and lowwith a floating silver roof.  Skylights, an atrium, and windows fill the terminal with light and bring the big sky inside. Passengers can see through the building, across the prairie and to downtown Winnipeg.  These views create a strong sense of place, while views of the airfield make it easy for passengers to find their planes. Glassboarding bridgesalso help to orient passengers, givingthem an immediate glimpse into the terminal upon arrival. Inside, billowing wood ceilings and wood-paneled walls create a warm inviting environment.

“Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects have delivered a world-class design that is both exciting and responsible,” said Barry Rempel, President & CEO of the Winnipeg Airports Authority. “More than a place to transport people and products, the new terminal truly reflects the spirit of the community.”

Sustainable design measures include natural lighting and advanced mechanical systems to reduce the building’s energy consumption. Overall, the building is 25 percent more efficient than Canada’s Model National Energy Code for Buildings.

In addition to the new terminal, Pelli Clarke Pelli’s work included the airport’s redevelopment master plan and the design of a parking garage.

David McFadden

Drawing upon original ideas and extensive personal and professional experience in the field, David McFadden crafted this article to explore the latest trends in architecture and building design. After working at various design practices—both full-time and freelance—and launching his design firm, David identified a significant gap in the industry. In 1984, he founded Consulting For Architects Inc. Careers, an expansive hub designed to align architects with hiring firms for mutual benefit. This platform enables architects to find impactful design work and frees hiring firms from the time-consuming cycles of recruitment and layoffs. He also owned and managed an award-winning Autodesk Training Center and dealership. David’s innovative approach to employer-employee relations has brought much-needed flexibility and adaptation to the industry. As the Founder and CEO, David has successfully guided his clients and staff through the challenges of four recessions—the early ’80s, early ’90s, early 2000s, the Great Recession, the pandemic, and the remnants of the current slowdown due to inflation and high-interest rates.

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