YEG - Edmonton Int Airport

[chevvac]

The control tower is one of the best examples of International Modernism architecture in Edmonton (as is the little service building north) and they aren't even in Edmonton. hahaha. but seriously I really hope they maintain them in some way even if they intend on building a new swanky tower. If you look closely at the skin of the tower it has alot of the same detailing that Mies van der Rohe used. Even the pilotis-like columns that raise the building up over the departures drop-off are tiled and well proportioned. Take a look next time you visit, you'll appreciate it more (well maybe). All I know will be lying is front of the bulldozers when/if they try to take it down.......

[eemy]

They had to remove glass floors from the Library of Parliament when female MPs joined the legislature, and I expect similar considerations would see them forgotten here as well.

[Jasper and one o nin]

So when I look at the interior renderings vs the plans, I dont see where the overhead walkways will be. It makes sense to me to have the access from US customs to the US holdroom to be a elevated walkway, but it appears to be at the same level. If it was elevated, then it would not create a barrier and both sides could be opened up to gates.

[Jasper and one o nin]

Originally Posted by chevvac

The control tower is one of the best examples of International Modernism architecture in Edmonton (as is the little service building north) and they aren't even in Edmonton. hahaha. but seriously I really hope they maintain them in some way even if they intend on building a new swanky tower. If you look closely at the skin of the tower it has alot of the same detailing that Mies van der Rohe used. Even the pilotis-like columns that raise the building up over the departures drop-off are tiled and well proportioned. Take a look next time you visit, you'll appreciate it more (well maybe). All I know will be lying is front of the bulldozers when/if they try to take it down.......

Why couldnt the existing tower building be retrofitted to accommodate a hotel?

[codeman9669]

Originally Posted by Jasper and one o nin

So when I look at the interior renderings vs the plans, I dont see where the overhead walkways will be. It makes sense to me to have the access from US customs to the US holdroom to be a elevated walkway, but it appears to be at the same level. If it was elevated, then it would not create a barrier and both sides could be opened up to gates.

If you look at the departures level layout in the domestic gate section - there are two areas in white that say "void". I believe that these are the open air sections that look down. So, in fact, I dont think that is really an elevated walk way, but simply the departures level.

[rapid_business]

Originally Posted by jeremy_haak

They had to remove glass floors from the Library of Parliament when female MPs joined the legislature, and I expect similar considerations would see them forgotten here as well.

Perhaps a heavy frosting?

[Rogie]

Wow, it's going to be a long walk from gate 96 (it seems YEG is keeping their strange gate numbering system) to the Canadian customs area. At least the close-up view of the planes will be spectacular.

I kinda wish they left a bit more room for beauty. I'm thinking of YVR's internationoal departures area, where it's pleasant to go wait for your flight because of all the water features and greenery, and just the walkway to the international arrivals area is stunning.

[240glt]

Originally Posted by Jasper and one o nin

Why couldnt the existing tower building be retrofitted to accommodate a hotel?

Not sure what is going tobe the final useage of the current tower but rest assured it is not going anywhere.

[0773|=\]

Originally Posted by Jasper and one o nin

So when I look at the interior renderings vs the plans, I dont see where the overhead walkways will be. It makes sense to me to have the access from US customs to the US holdroom to be a elevated walkway, but it appears to be at the same level. If it was elevated, then it would not create a barrier and both sides could be opened up to gates.

If you look at the plan, the over head walkway is at the far right end, next to the existing terminal, you can quickly see the vantage point of the rendering with a walkway in it.

[0773|=\]

Originally Posted by Rogie

Wow, it's going to be a long walk from gate 96 (it seems YEG is keeping their strange gate numbering system) to the Canadian customs area. At least the close-up view of the planes will be spectacular.

I kinda wish they left a bit more room for beauty. I'm thinking of YVR's internationoal departures area, where it's pleasant to go wait for your flight because of all the water features and greenery, and just the walkway to the international arrivals area is stunning.

Their release says they want the terminal to reflect on themes that are distinctly Edmontonian, so whatever that means. They mentioned themes of the River Valley and Old Strathcona, here: http://www.flyeia.com/fly_eia/expansion_2012/building_community

I too have wondered about the gate numbering system @ YEG. Perhaps those bridges are intended to accommodate two planes eventually (assigning two numbers to the same gate enterance)...? I don't know.

[LO 044]

Granted the old tower still shows in the new renderings but 240glt what makes you so sure that the old tower won't eventually be torn down?

I'm curious if the new tower will be shorter than the old one. If so, the old one can definitely be used for something like an observation area. The 360 degree views would be great and a few open windows to hear those jets roar down the runway. Why not make it into some type of museum. Dedicate a couple of floors with displays and history of the airport and/or Edmonton in general.

[rapid_business]

Originally Posted by 0773|=\

If you look at the plan, the over head walkway is at the far right end, next to the existing terminal, you can quickly see the vantage point of the rendering with a walkway in it.

Right... I get it now. All arrivals will walk along the perimeter of the building (as shown in the departure diagram kindof, walk down those stairs/escalator, under the departures bridge, and then to the baggage claim (as shown in the departure section).

EDIT2:
From what EdmTrekker said:

I am not a designer but have taken 500+ flights at airports around the globe and have not seen double loading corridors from the dept gates to the aircraft with 4 walls (space in the middle). Surely 4 walls with a glass divider running the middle (in between) is cheaper than 4 external walls (build, heat,maintain) - knowing this may be identified in the VE sessions.

The inbetween space is a ramp headed down to the arrivals corridor (in white, which loops the perimeter of the building) I just identified above. So It is essential one solid extension. This is fairly common, and exists in plenty of airports.




So with the whole extension being dedicated to US/Intl., does that mean the whole old expansion goes domestic?

EDIT: I thought the old tower was coming down for expansion of the arrivals/departure lanes?

[Jasper and one o nin]

Wok Box at EIA
Wok Box is now open at EIA in the North Passenger Lounge across from Gate 18 - next to Tim Horton's. The Fresh Asian Kitchen's hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Wok Box represents another step forward in food and beverage service options at EIA, which have more than doubled in the last two years.

At Wok Box, market fresh, healthy, pan-Asian dishes are cooked right in front of you. Their new EIA location will feature a number of ready-to-go items in addition to their well-known Asian-fusion sizzling wok creations.

The Wok Box chain is well known for its attention to detail with décor and customer service, in addition to delicious dishes. Travellers will love the fresh tastes and quick convenience of Wok Box, which uses top-quality ingredients, an open concept kitchen and even has low-carb options so you know you’re getting a great meal at a great price.

[Jasper and one o nin]

New Duty Free kiosk in U.S. passenger lounge
EIA is pleased to welcome the addition of a cash and carry Duty Free location in the US passenger lounge. The Duty Free kiosk is located post security so passengers no longer need to worry about putting fragile purchases in their checked luggage when travelling to the US. This kiosk features their top selling alcohol, fragrances and tobacco.



The new Duty Free kiosk is located in the US passenger lounge across from Street Performers News and directly behind Toast Café. Hours of operation are dependent upon flight times.

[Jasper and one o nin]

A ‘spirited’ new retailer
EIA is excited to welcome a new store to the airport that complements the expanding retail mix that is offered to our passengers. A Flight of Wine & Spirits’ doors opened in February to begin sales of an array of wine, spirits and specialty items.

A Flight of Wine and Spirits is located post security adjacent to Second Cup and directly behind Indigo, and hours of operation are 07:00-21:00 daily. Any store inquiries can be directed to their direct line: 780-890-7288.

[Beazley66]

Originally Posted by 0773|=\

Is that a glass floor I see? That's pretty cool!

Glass floors are great. But I have to say, that the bridge leaves a lot to be desired. They can be sooo much lighter in structure. The security glass at that mezzanine level will probably be higher. What we had to to at LBPIA is design a cabled ceiling , which was literally aircraft cable tensioned in a frame, to hamper the ability to toss things over the wall. This wasn't about littering, it was about security breaches.

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by Jasper and one o nin

New Duty Free kiosk in U.S. passenger lounge EIA is pleased to welcome the addition of a cash and carry Duty Free location in the US passenger lounge. The Duty Free kiosk is located post security so passengers no longer need to worry about putting fragile purchases in their checked luggage when travelling to the US. This kiosk features their top selling alcohol, fragrances and tobacco. The new Duty Free kiosk is located in the US passenger lounge across from Street Performers News and directly behind Toast Café. Hours of operation are dependent upon flight times.

Its a Kiosk like a mall - I was there last week. Totally uninspiring and not much to buy - not a shopping experience.

[CMD UW]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

Great to see some "detail". I am not a big fan of the design - nothing there to capture my heart. Here is what does not work for me:

1. Arrivals area looks pretty uninteresting - do not see a "feature" area - which is pretty important given this is where all US and International Visitors arrive. Also not much (if any) increase in the marshaling area awaiting Canadian Customs.

2. The general shape as displayed leaves questions about how a major expansion later would lock onto the curved design (logically, practically and economically).

3. Departure areas witth moving sidewalk (the West view (or top) truncate abruptly by stairs and seating. This will be a bottleneck as passengers can not see a visual route to bars/restaurants etc. It should be easy to arrive in the area and access services first, then seating. The whole plan for F&B appears congested, not well thought out.

4. Arrivals area Duty Free needs to be rethought. Perhaps something like PVR where duty free is either side of a walk through area (same could be done upstairs) like at PVR (or AMS).

5. Back in arrivals - baggage handling is taking to much valuable space on the floor - and should be dropped below grade to "save that space" for future arrivals area and possibly airline lounges etc. from the upper dept floor (unless they are above the arrivals area??)

Now some off the wall comments:

-family room in departures appears large (too large) and is robbing space from areas that may need it (a brew pub?? I can only hope)
-I am not a designer but have taken 500+ flights at airports around the globe and have not seen double loading corridors from the dept gates to the aircraft with 4 walls (space in the middle). Surely 4 walls with a glass divider running the middle (in between) is cheaper than 4 external walls (build, heat,maintain) - knowing this may be identified in the VE sessions.

I know this is preliminary. I hope that have a peer review process for critique of Stantec's design and to challenge the EAA internal User Groups.

You raise some valid comments. It is easy for the design team to get caught designing for function based on technical specs and client requirements.

One thing that can often be overlooked is how the 'user' will ultimately respond to the design. This aspect needs to be carefully thought out and considered.

I suggest you send your comments to the folks at YEG and perhaps they can bring this up with the architects / design team.

[CMD UW]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

Its a Kiosk like a mall - I was there last week. Totally uninspiring and not much to buy - not a shopping experience.

Yeah well, there isn't much 'real estate' to work with over there. So it's the best they can do for the time being.

[CanadianCentaur]

Originally Posted by Jasper and one o nin

A ‘spirited’ new retailer
EIA is excited to welcome a new store to the airport that complements the expanding retail mix that is offered to our passengers. A Flight of Wine & Spirits’ doors opened in February to begin sales of an array of wine, spirits and specialty items.

A Flight of Wine and Spirits is located post security adjacent to Second Cup and directly behind Indigo, and hours of operation are 07:00-21:00 daily. Any store inquiries can be directed to their direct line: 780-890-7288.

This is a good idea. Now passengers won't have to worry about having to stick their bottles of wine or other alcoholic stuff in their checked luggage only to find one hell of a mess when they pick it up after they get off!