The intricacies of working within an active airport made daily coordination essential for the 128,000-sq-ft connector, which included tasks ranging from placing foundations and tying in new electrical systems to safely managing passenger traffic and coordinating site logistics with multiple airlines.

The project team also demolished the airport’s original seven-story air traffic control tower and a pedestrian bridge to the central parking garage, modified airfield and aircraft layouts to accommodate post-security connections and incorporated a continuous aircraft fueling system.

Advanced construction played a key role in progressing and coordinating the multifaceted project. A 360-degree photo capture technology collected and stitched together thousands of images to create a virtual jobsite walk-through that helped project leaders conduct regular work reviews and share progress with the owner at a safe, convenient location.

Six months into construction, the COVID pandemic tested the team’s resilience. Although construction was allowed to continue, new protocols were quickly developed and implemented to limit the risk of spreading the virus while allowing workers to be as productive as possible. The pandemic’s effect on airport revenue also required the team to adjust the pace of construction with the owner’s unexpected budget constraints.

Photo courtesy of Suffolk

The team’s perseverance helped create a much needed connection across the airport’s terminals while also providing a consolidated security checkpoint, five new gates and upgrades to operational and administrative spaces.

The building envelope includes decorative metal panels and a curtain wall system with dynamic glazing that uses artificial intelligence to adjust tint in response to the sun—greatly improving the building’s energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

The new connector also incorporates intuitive wayfinding signage that makes use of visual cues and technology, easing passenger navigation throughout the music-themed concourse.

Travelers are guided by rhythmic brass details patterned to evoke music box punch outs and are greeted by panels that feature portraits of local musicians.