A Dynamic View

This capital investment is part of the modernization initiative Upgrade SEA. Seattle is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., with a 12% population jump between the 2010 and 2020 census, according to city data. As the 11th busiest airport in the U.S., the augmented C Concourse is part of fulfilling “the region’s future needs with an improved level of service, reduced congestion, and less crowded terminal,” notes the Port of Seattle.

Due to space constraints, predesign work established the concourse would need to expand upwards. The Miller Hull Partnership and Woods Bagot saw the opportunity to anchor the design around the southwest facade, which brings natural light deep into the building. The increased vertical volume and new circulation is based on the concept of a multilevel public room, which alleviates the congestion of the previous layout.

With distinct 90-degree angles, the serrated facade is equipped with electrochromic glass. The dynamic tinting switches between the south and west exposures throughout the day to reduce glare and heat gain.

“If we had done static tinting, it would have been like putting a visor down on a motorcycle helmet. Instead, the electrochromic glass fluctuates between tinted and clear so we never lose light altogether,” explained Brian Court, partner at The Miller Hull Partnership. “The effect even looks like the fractal light patterns made by tree silhouettes.”

“It’s also good for wayfinding as it intuitively pulls people in,” added Katy Mercer, principal and interior design leader for Woods Bagot. “They come out of security into this open expanse and immediately feel the natural beauty.”

Since a folded facade uses more glass than a flat version, the teams did daylight modeling and an energy analysis to justify the cost. It was also helpful that they could contrast the improvement over an existing dim area with 1980s static tinting.

“While tinting is already used on a lot of airports, it’s either all blue or all grey. With dynamic tinting, it actively changes how people feel about the space,” Mercer stressed. “Visitors can watch the light play and shift across the floor.”

A Sense of Place

Drawing inspiration from Seattle’s markets, the concourse’s two-story heart is ringed with dining and retail. The bleacher-style stairs also provide dedicated performance space that supports the Port of Seattle’s live music program.

“Getting anyone to move up a level is generally a no-no in retail planning, yet we needed that space for amenities,” said Mercer. “The performance stairs provide a natural and visual bridge to the mezzanine, enticing passengers to explore the space.”

The tessellated wood ceiling also draws the eye with its triangle pattern. The 30-foot column becomes conical as it rises, evoking a tree crown. Hemlock, a regional species, is another reference to the Pacific Northwest’s lush forests.

“Real wood generally isn’t used under a certain height in airports for durability reasons, but it worked here because we incorporated it into the ceiling,” Mercer explained. “It not only adds warmth but offers acoustical benefits and device management.”

The new concourse also offers SEA’s first public lookout. While certain airlines offer a private terrace to select flyers, it’s becoming more common for airports to include an outdoor space to all guests. The observation deck is fully enclosed in glass, connecting travelers to the surrounding landscape.

“You can experience the atmosphere of a place without leaving the airport,” Mercer noted. “It also appeals to the aviation enthusiasts who enjoy watching an active airfield.”

“It has the same benefits as operable windows. Flying can take a toll, so the ability to step outside for fresh air can help people recharge,” added Court. “The glass is still full height for safety, but there are small gaps so travelers can feel the temperature and even rain.”

Green Ambitions

Targeting LEED Platinum, the all-electric concourse is a step forward in the Port’s goal of become the “greenest and most energy efficient” in North America. Objectives include “meet all increased energy needs through conservation and renewable sources, meet or exceed agency requirements for stormwater, and reduce air pollutants and carbon emissions.”

The most observable expression of environmental stewardship is the 500-kW photovoltaic array, which will produce 12% of the building’s annual energy. This is the Port’s first renewable installation. The design teams even tilted the roof to increase the array’s efficiency. It also serves as an overhang for the lookout, doubling as shading.

“Airport roofs are expansive, so it’s a great opportunity to put them to work generating power,” Court emphasized. “This array also sets a precedent for adding renewables across SEA as roofs are replaced.”