Project Description
Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport recently expanded with a new east concourse. The concourse features improved security checkpoints, a public observation deck, new retail experiences and several terrazzo mosaics that highlight Oklahoma’s culture and history. But the most stunning features may just be the ones no one can see—three curtain walls of transparent glass held in place with narrow stainless-steel frames.
Maximizing the area of glass, the three SteelBuilt Curtainwall Infinity™ Systems from Technical Glass Products (TGP) span heights up to 30 feet without the need for a supporting member. The exterior assembly’s unique concave bow follows the terminal’s profile and bathes the interior with natural light, which not only accentuates the mosaics but can also create a more comfortable and enjoyable traveling experience. Not only does the exterior system follow the building’s curve, but it also drops below the floor line, so it appears to float. These two design aspects created an impressive and ultra-modern exterior façade.
The glazing also floods the airport’s terminal with an incredible amount of light. Because the mullions boast an astonishing amount of strength despite their narrowness, the curtain wall systems incorporate as much glass as possible outside of using a butt-glazed wall panel assembly. With little obstruction from framing components, the exterior curtain wall gives airport employees and passengers the utmost access to daylight to improve mood, regulate circadian rhythms, enhance morale and much more.
The daylight that streams into the terminal doesn’t just stop in the waiting area. It can flow out beyond the security checkpoint, which also uses massive walls of glass to create a cohesive design aesthetic. The interior curtain wall assemblies also help the Will Rogers World Airport create a security barrier between the terminal waiting area and ticketing. The glass barrier helps to regulate the flow of passengers into the concourse without sacrificing the visual connection between the two spaces—making the traveling experience less stressful for all.