To foster a sense of inherent orientation and seamless passage through the various functions, the design features transparency and natural light, so that the passengers can ‘follow the light’ as they move through the terminal. In its expression, the terminal reflects the optimistic and technologically advanced culture of the city through the use of long span, exposed steel structure, abundant daylight, and bright, clean finishes.

In order to accommodate rapid growth in traffic and the need to replace a disconnected collection of dated buildings, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority commissioned the joint venture of Safdie Architects, SOM and Adamson Associates to rethink the entire complex. Designed for an eventual flow of 40 MPPA, the 15-year phased development strategy replaced all existing terminals with a new Terminal 1, and maintained full airport operations throughout construction. Beyond the terminal, the redevelopment also includes new runways, major midfield cargo facilities, aircraft maintenance facilities, and improved road access.

To enhance the experience of arriving passengers and to minimize level changes, while at the same time negotiating the complex requirements of segregation necessary for domestic, international, and US bound passengers, the standard sectional organization was reversed, so that arriving passengers ascend to a mezzanine level, sharing the same volume, and with visibility to the departure piers.

• Collaborators

  Airport Architects Canada - a joint venture between
  Safdie Architects, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill International Ltd. and Adamson Associates Architects

• Awards

  Award of Merit, Canadian Consulting Engineers, 2001
  
  Material Development and Innovation Award, Ontario Concrete Award, 2003
  
  Honorable Mention, Design Exchange Toronto, 2004
  
  Merit Award, Signage and Wayfinding, Society of Environmental Graphic Designers, 2004
  
  Merit Award, Lumen Award for Lighting Design, 2006
  
  AISC Ideas National Winner, American Institute of Steel Construction, 2006

• Clients

  Greater Toronto Airports Authority

• Cost

  US $1.8 billion (Terminals 1 and 2 only)