Who Constructed Portland Airport? The Mastermind Contractor Unveiled

Portland International Airport (PDX) has undergone a series of transformative projects known as PDX Next, with Hoffman Construction playing a major role in the renovation and expansion of the airport. Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture was responsible for the Terminal Core Redevelopment project, which included remodelling the terminal core, installing a new roofing system, and adding new concessions. The project aimed to accommodate the expected increase in annual travellers and improve the overall passenger experience. ZGF Architects, in collaboration with the Port of Portland, also contributed to the expansion and modernisation of the airport, emphasising the use of mass timber and sustainability. The unique design of the airport showcases the local culture and character of Portland and the Pacific Northwest.

Hoffman Construction's role in the PDX Terminal Core Redevelopment

Hoffman Construction is playing a significant role in the series of projects at Portland International Airport, known as PDX Next. The company has partnered with Skanska USA to form the Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture, which is undertaking the Terminal Core Redevelopment (TCORE) project. This project involves a complete remodelling of the Terminal Core, including a new 9-acre roofing system, a 150-foot multi-floor addition between Concourses C and D, and expanded security checkpoints. The roofing system, which covers the entire terminal core complex, is made of wood and glass, filling the airport with light and showcase Oregon timber.

Hoffman's TCORE Airport Operations Coordination Team is coordinating work with various stakeholders, including the Port, air carrier station managers, operation staff, shift supervisors, and local TSA. The team is focused on maintaining a positive passenger experience during construction, providing clear wayfinding, safe passage, and access to amenities.

Additionally, Hoffman has rebuilt and expanded Concourse B for Alaska Airlines, adding floor-to-ceiling windows, foliage to common areas, and new food vendors. This involved the demolition of the old Concourse B and enabling work in Concourse C to accommodate displaced airlines.

The PDX Terminal Core Redevelopment project aims to address the expected increase in annual travellers to 33 million by 2045, ensuring the airport can continue serving the community effectively. The project also targets LEED Gold certification and includes seismic resiliency updates to meet modern safety standards.

ZGF's design inspiration for the airport expansion

ZGF's design inspiration for the Portland Airport expansion was largely driven by the desire to reflect the region's natural environment and cultural heritage. The firm aimed to create a uniquely Portland experience that celebrated the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

The use of mass timber and greenery in the design of the main terminal was a direct nod to the forests that cover nearly half of Oregon. The goal was to recreate the experience of walking through the woods, evoking a sense of the local and natural environment. This design choice also had the added benefit of showcasing Oregon's forest products and innovation, as well as supporting the local economy by involving small and large suppliers, craftspeople, and engineering firms.

The roof of the terminal, with its undulant design, was a key element in achieving this inspiration. The large-span roof structure not only provided operational flexibility but also allowed for the creation of smaller independent structures below, reminiscent of the human-friendly scale of Portland's city blocks and neighbourhoods. The roof was built using innovative engineering and construction techniques, including the use of glulam beams and steel-and-wood girders, to achieve the long spans required for optimal ticketing and security checks.

ZGF also drew inspiration from urban planning strategies and the city's unique, walkable sense of scale. The terminal was designed as a "series of rooms" that reflected the rhythm of urban neighbourhoods and the city's pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets. Additionally, the expansion incorporated local businesses and inclusive design, further enhancing the sense of place and community.

The expansion project also aimed to address practical considerations, such as the need to keep the terminal operational during construction and the complex seismic upgrade requirements of the old structure. By using prefabricated construction methods and careful phasing, ZGF was able to overcome these challenges while still delivering a design that was flexible, adaptable, and representative of the region.

The use of wood in the airport's construction

The Portland International Airport (PDX) has been undergoing a series of transformative projects known as PDX Next. The airport's new terminal, designed by ZGF, showcases a unique roof that is a beautiful way to showcase Oregon timber. The terminal features a mass timber roof, with a wood and glass design that fills the airport with light. The roof spans six football fields and is supported by 9-acre large-span roofing.

The wood construction also has sustainability benefits, with a lower carbon footprint than other materials. The design of the terminal, with its open spaces and natural lighting, also contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for artificial lighting and ventilation. The use of wood also has biophilic benefits, with the inherent warmth of the material helping to create a calming and welcoming atmosphere for passengers.

The construction of the terminal involved careful planning and coordination to ensure the airport remained operational during the renovation. The project faced several challenges, including the need to work around control tower sight lines and Federal Aviation Administration rules prohibiting nighttime construction, except during a four-hour early-morning no-flight window. The project also required coordination with various stakeholders, including airlines, to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the airport's beloved features, such as clear wayfinding and access to amenities.

The Portland International Airport's new terminal, with its innovative use of wood, stands as a testament to the region's natural resources and craftsmanship. The project showcases the beauty and durability of wood as a building material while also promoting sustainability and a connection to the local community.

The airport's unique modular roof construction

The Portland International Airport (PDX) has undergone several remodels and expansions since it was first built 83 years ago. The latest expansion, known as PDX Next, is a series of transformative projects vital for accommodating the expected annual traveller volume of 33 million by 2045. One of the most notable features of this project is the unique modular roof construction.

The roof, spanning nine acres, is made of mass timber and glass, flooding the airport with natural light and providing views of the airfield and the surrounding forested landscape. The use of wood showcases Oregon's forest products heritage and innovation and benefits the local industry by involving suppliers, craftspeople, and engineering firms of all sizes. Additionally, wood was chosen for its lower carbon footprint, making it a major sustainability feature as wood sequesters carbon.

The roof was constructed in modules, or "cassettes," next to the existing terminal and then carefully slid into place during the early morning no-flight window, when no cranes could be used due to control tower sightline restrictions. Each of the 18 pieces weighed more than 600,000 pounds and was the size of a football field, requiring precise choreography for safe installation. This modular approach was necessary for installing the roof over an active airport, ensuring the airport could remain operational during construction.

The undulating form of the roof, designed by ZGF Architects, evokes the natural beauty of the region, with its forests and Douglas firs. The wooden roof, sourced from ecologically managed forests within a 300-mile radius of the airport, including small landowners, tribal lands, and community forests practicing sustainable forestry, adds to the airport's uniquely Portland experience. The design and construction of the roof required numerous engineering and construction innovations, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of span length and connection methods.

The airport's art installations

Portland International Airport (PDX) has a variety of art exhibitions and installations for passengers to enjoy. The airport's art program is intentionally inclusive and has an open-call submission process. The art coordinator, Given, has mounted exhibitions of high-minded work by established and emerging regional artists. The airport's manager of customer relations, Walter Marchbanks, says, "Art is an integral part of the passenger experience. Art complements the environment and we've made deliberate steps to enhance it."

One of the most notable art installations at PDX is Laura Hughes' "Imager," a site-specific acrylic installation that reflects the movement of the tarmac from its position next to the escalators. Other notable installations include Xander Griffith's "Tree Top Drama," a solo show of eight colorful fiber art pieces, and Ruth Lantz's mixed media painting "Before and After Glow." Portland artist and illustrator Amy Ruppel’s mural “Welcome to Portland Oregon” is also a bright and popular piece of art, reportedly the backdrop of many a selfie.

The airport also features a variety of photography exhibitions, including Kevin Cooley's "Nachtfluge," a series of haunting long-exposure photos that depict light trails made by commercial aircraft, and Julian Gray's "Thunderegg RM3461," a series of rich photographs of thundereggs, Oregon’s state rock. The PDX Art Gallery, located on the mezzanine level, is free and open to the public, featuring educational exhibitions centered on new permanent artworks at the airport and their artists.

The airport's expansion, led by ZGF Architects, also took inspiration from the forests of the Pacific Northwest. The new terminal's roof, made of wood and glass, fills the airport with light and showcases Oregon timber. The use of wood also benefits the local industry by bringing together small and large suppliers, fabricators, craftspeople, and engineering firms.

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