6 Things to Know: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Whether it’s using public transit for holiday shopping or taking a plane or train to visit family, transportation plays a major role this time of year. So, what better time to catch up on all the latest news from our Aviation + Transportation group?

It’s been a busy 2023 for our team, with new project wins, major construction milestones and lots of new HOK thought leadership on the future of transportation. Check it out below!

1. Aviation Project Milestones

This fall saw the completion of Phase II of Salt Lake City International Airport’s Redevelopment Program (top image). Known as the New SLC, the project includes thirteen new gates and many new food, beverage and retail options for travelers to enjoy. Learn more about the program, which is the largest public works project in Utah’s history.

This past summer, MidAmerica Airport (bottom left) celebrated the opening of its expanded passenger terminal to accommodate increased passenger traffic. Get the details of the project in Airport Improvement magazine.

Our team recently completed a walk-through video below showcasing the design of the SEA Gateway Project (bottom right). The project, in partnership with Hensel Phelps, Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle, will modernize Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s north main terminal to accommodate increased passenger demand.

Dive Deeper: In addition to the SEA Gateway Project, HOK is also collaborating with the Port of Seattle and AECOM to transform Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s S Concourse. Learn more about the project.

2. Preparing Airports for Advanced Air Mobility

Electric aircraft are poised to change the way we travel in the future. How can airports prepare for this new mode of transportation? HOK’s Ken Miller shares his insights on advanced air mobility and the infrastructure, capacity and facility changes needed for airports to accommodate electric aircraft.

3. How Design Can Increase Airport Revenue

HOK’s Regional Leader of Aviation + Transportation Keith Hui recently attended the Airport Council International (ACI) World’s Committee Meeting and Conference in Muscat, Oman. As a member of ACI World’s Facilitation & Services Standing Committee, he presented to airport directors and managers how great design can impact an airport’s non-aeronautical revenue. Read Keith’s recap of the presentation and learn three ways airports can help boost their ROI.

4. A New Penn Station

HOK has a vision to transform Penn Station in partnership with developer ASTM North America and PAU. Check out Architect’s Newspaper to learn more about the design that would modernize the country’s busiest rail hub.

Dive Deeper: New York City’s transportation projects are renewing facilities while promoting equity and mobility. Read Luke Bridle’s insights on three key factors that the New York City MTA’s Second Avenue Subway extension project will address.

5. What’s Next with Bus Rapid Transit

HOK’s Director of Transportation Luke Bridle had a great conversation with transportation and planning leaders from HOK, Pininfarina and Austin Transit Partnership on how bus rapid transit (BRT) can improve urban mobility, support social equity and generate economic development. Get the highlights and watch the LinkedIn Live discussion here.

Dive Deeper: Luke also recently explored what Houston’s forthcoming, 25-mile bus rapid transit line can learn from HOK’s design of the city’s light rail system. Learn more.

6. O’Hare Spreads Wings

Passenger Terminal World recently covered Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5 expansion project, which creates a modern, light-filled space that welcomes international travelers. Designed by HOK and Muller & Muller, Ltd. (M2) in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Aviation, it is the first major expansion of Terminal 5 since it opened in 1993.

By the numbers:

The U.S. set a new record for the busiest day of air travel on Wednesday, Nov. 22 (the day before Thanksgiving), with the TSA screening more than 2.9 million passengers, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Follow HOK on LinkedIn for more updates and find all the issues of HOK’s Design Digest newsletter.