Airports are more than just transportation hubs; they are gateways to new experiences, cultures, and destinations.
When it comes to global air travel, terminal design is a vital component of ensuring the safety and efficiency of every flight. Boston’s Terminal E expansion is an example of how innovative architecture and thoughtful planning can revolutionize the way travelers interact with the airport environment. And ground penetrating radar (GPR) and similar technologies play a crucial role in helping create these unique examples of architectural mastery.
The Importance of Airport Design
Airports serve as the first and last impression for travelers, setting the tone for their journey. Effective airport design goes beyond functionality; it embodies the spirit of a city, facilitates seamless navigation, and enhances the overall passenger experience. Terminal E at Boston Logan International Airport exemplifies this philosophy, combining striking architecture with intuitive planning to create a world-class travel hub.
According to leading architects and experts in the field, creating a calm and functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing airport environment can make a huge difference when it comes to beating the competition. There is a startling amount of competition in the air travel industry. The United States has the highest airport connectivity score, with $239 billion USD air passenger revenue in 2021 alone. As technology changes the way we travel, and the way we see the world around us, the air travel and airline industry is likely to hold strong. Because the market is so expansive, however, it also means that there’s no shortage of flight companies or airports to choose from. Reducing the stress of travel and providing safe places to wait for boarding can often be influencing factors when consumers and airlines choose to use your gates.
In addition to affecting traveler safety and satisfaction, airport design also helps determine the flow and operation of the facility’s air travel itself. Airlines increasingly form alliances, and share space in large, airports where travel from multiple lines can be managed from one location.
Regardless of its size and shape, the success of any airport project begins with what’s below. Technologies such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) help ensure safe construction of new airports, and expansions to existing ones.
GIS-based utility mapping software, such as GPRS’ SiteMap® (patent pending) platform, allow for seamless use and secure sharing of data such as GPR utility locates and concrete scans, 3D laser scanning, and more, allowing you to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.
Terminal E at a Glance
Also known as the International Terminal, opened its doors in 1974 as the Volpe International Terminal to accommodate the Boston market’s growing demand for international air travel. It offered 12 gates to serve 10 international airlines and 1.5 million passengers annually, and the number of gates remained the same until the recent expansion. Today, Terminal E stands as a modern marvel, blending state-of-the-art amenities with timeless design principles.
Massport announced the 320,000-square-foot expansion of Terminal E in 2018 with a budget of $700-750 million. The project was initially designed to add seven new gates, but COVID-related delays resulted in a reduced budget and only four gates being constructed. A parking lot expansion that was initially planned was also cut.
Terminal E is at least 20% more energy efficient than what’s required under the MA Energy Code, and its designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. It features photovoltaic window glazing, glare-controlling glass, and an energy-efficient displacement ventilation system.
Architectural Features
Contemporary Design
Terminal E boasts a sleek and contemporary design, characterized by clean lines, expansive glass facades, and soaring ceilings. The architecture reflects Boston’s reputation as a city of innovation and culture, creating a sense of arrival and departure that is both inspiring and welcoming.
Natural Light
One of the defining features of Terminal E is its abundant use of natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the terminal with sunlight, creating a bright and airy ambiance. Natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the terminal but also contributes to a sense of well-being among passengers.
Sustainable Practices
In alignment with Boston’s commitment to sustainability, Terminal E incorporates eco-friendly design elements and energy-efficient systems. The terminal sets a new standard for environmentally conscious airport design. These sustainable practices not only reduce the airport’s carbon footprint, but also demonstrate a commitment to responsible stewardship of the environment.
Planning and Functionality
Passenger Flow
Efficient passenger flow is essential to the success of any airport terminal. Terminal E prioritizes seamless navigation, with clear wayfinding signage and intuitive layout design. The terminal’s spacious concourses and streamlined security checkpoints ensure smooth transitions for travelers, minimizing congestion and wait times. The international terminal has additional 390,000 square feet of space for stores, lounges, and gates, improving traffic flow.
Retail and Dining
Terminal E offers a diverse array of retail shops, restaurants, and amenities to cater to the needs of modern travelers. The concourse has several newly added dining options, including Sal’s Pizza, Boston Harbor Distillery, Legal Sea Foods, grab-and-go meals from Boston market and Hudson, and more.
Passenger Comfort
Ample seating areas, charging stations, and other relaxation zones are scattered throughout the Terminal E expansion. There’s even a sensory room for customers overwhelmed by the crowded concourse that features a replica airplane cabin to help customers acclimate before takeoff.
Technological Integration
Digital Innovation
From self-check-in kiosks to real-time flight information displays, Terminal E not only embraces, but leverages technology to empower travelers with information about their impending trip. It features an expanded ticketing area with modernized TSA security checkpoint that allows travelers to keep their important items such as laptops and other electronic devices within their bags during the screening process. Time is saved, and passengers can complete this often-stressful process with less friction.
Smart Infrastructure
The terminal’s infrastructure is equipped with smart technologies to improve operational efficiency and security. Advanced surveillance systems, automated baggage handling systems, and biometric authentication tools enhance safety and convenience for passengers and staff.
Underneath Terminal E
The Terminal E expansion has earned acclaim from passengers and industry professionals alike, setting a new standard for airport terminals worldwide. By prioritizing passenger comfort, efficiency, and sustainability, it has redefined the airport experience and made travel more enjoyable and less stressful for millions of travelers annually.
These upgrades wouldn’t have been possible without the architects, contractor, and subcontractors on the project first gaining an understanding of the existing built world beneath the airport. Technologies such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) and GIS-based utility mapping support infrastructure projects such as the Terminal E expansion by visualizing what’s below, so that dangerous and costly subsurface damage can be avoided during excavation.
Existing conditions as-builts serve as a guide for construction planning, allowing the construction team to construct and plan with confidence. Subsurface utility locating and concrete scanning are vital to ensuring the safety and success of terminal construction and design, helping you see the unseen and ensure the safety of everyone involved in the project.
The namesake of GPRS, GPR works in concert with other technologies to identify buried objects and underground utilities. GPRS Project Managers provide 99.8%+ accurate, field-verified utility maps, all securely accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone via SiteMap® (patent pending). Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can export the GPR scans to create accurate existing conditions as-builts to give you the information you need in a format you can easily work with to stay on time, on budget, and safe.
Active electromagnetic (EM) locating involves actively transmitting a frequency through the underground utility’s conductive material. This is done by connecting through various points depending on the utility. The transmitter can be connected to various types of utility lines via a grounding wire or other physical utility structure above ground to provide the active signal that the EM locator can then read.
EM locators are preferred by One Call contractors to locate public utility lines. GPRS utilizes these devices with GPR and other technologies as part of the Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) process to detect live AC power or radio signals along conductive utilities.
GPRS Project Managers use robotic crawlers and push-fed sewer scopes equipped with CCTV cameras and sondes as part of our Video Pipe Inspection services, which provide accurate sewer pipe visualization.
Terminal E stands as a shining example of architectural innovation and strategic planning in the realm of air travel – but it would not be possible without first mapping what’s below.
GPRS’ SiteMap® team members are currently scheduling live, personal demonstrations. Click below to schedule your free SiteMap® demo today!
