Hartsfield-Jackson To Get Portman-Designed Welcome Plaza

Multi-purpose space will look to Atlanta's tree canopy for inspiration.

Multi-purpose space will look to Atlanta’s tree canopy for inspiration.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport wants the masses to have a better experience when traveling between Atlanta and the rest of the world, and has enlisted the help of John Portman & Associates to make it happen.

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The company has shared new renderings with What Now Atlanta of a new “welcome plaza” planned for the world’s busiest airport.

A connection to the west side of the terminal would be created via a pedestrian plaza beneath a canopy, creating an arcade featuring landscaping, hardscape and water features. A cafe is also forthcoming and would offer indoor and outdoor seating.

The plaza, which the firm says would provide access to the plane train, the sky train, ground transportation and the forthcoming also-designed-by-Portman airport hotel, is planned to be managed by the airport and also offer the opportunity for kiosks, displays, and “informative exhibits” to orient city visitors.

The plaza area would total to 70,642 SF.

Portman & Associates says the dappled green glass is intended to be reminiscent of Atlanta’s tree canopy.

The renovation is just one part of Hartsfield-Jackson’s forthcoming $6 billion expansion.

What do you think of the plans? Tell us your thoughts below…

Julia Sirb

Julia Sirb

Julia studied Urban Planning and Economic Development at GSU's School of Policy Studies. She is interested in the way a city's built environment, policy decisions, and economy work together to shape its culture. When not typing, she's writing calligraphy or looking for the next great shot through the lens of her medium format film camera.
Julia Sirb

Julia Sirb

Julia studied Urban Planning and Economic Development at GSU's School of Policy Studies. She is interested in the way a city's built environment, policy decisions, and economy work together to shape its culture. When not typing, she's writing calligraphy or looking for the next great shot through the lens of her medium format film camera.

8 Responses

  1. I recently flew United Airlines with its ticket counter and baggage claim in the North Terminal. I didn’t realize how outdated and ugly the North Terminal has become, especially when compared to the South Terminal’s ticketing and baggage claim area. The North Terminal really needs to be updated. It should be a major priority.

    1. It is, and it is. They released renderings of the new North Terminal design earlier this year; it’s basically a cosmetic update to bring it in line with the look of the International Terminal.

      The plaza looks interesting, but a) I second the concern about how clean that glass roof is gonna stay, and b) are you sure this plaza will provide access to the plane train? I think you probably meant MARTA. The plane train requires going through a security checkpoint to board.

      1. The full press release:

        “As an appropriate welcoming space for the world’s busiest airport, a connection to the west side of the terminal is created via a pedestrian plaza beneath a canopy. This pleasant covered arcade features landscaping, hardscape and water features. A cozy café offers indoor and outdoor seating. The plaza, which provides access to the plane train, the sky train, ground transportation and the new airport hotel, will be managed by the airport and offers the opportunity for kiosks, displays, and informative exhibits to help welcome and orient city visitors. Public speaking engagements and press events can also be held in this multi-purpose space beneath dappled green glass reminiscent of Atlanta’s revered tree canopy. HOK to execute the design for the airport.”

  2. Another issue with the glass is the greenhouse effect it may create. Could get even more muggy under there on a summer / early Fall day. Hopefully they have climate control designed into it.

  3. I really like the design. We have always needed a hotel connected to the airport. When you leave the airport today through this area you instantly have to walk through a haze of cigarette smoke and then hope you are not run over by a limo or bus crossing over to ground transportation. If they can make this a non smoking area and ensure some type of climate control it will be a very nice, usable area for all. I also share the concern of others on how much maintenance the glass will be.

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