Innovative travel experience planned for Kansas City’s new terminal
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Henderson Engineers, a national building systems design firm, is leading the charge on cementing the new single terminal Kansas City International Airport (MCI) as a world-class facility.
As the lead engineer on the $1.5 billion project, the firm is working closely with project partner Siemens to equip MCI with innovative technology for a cutting-edge experience for both travellers and the facility’s operations team.
“We’re excited to be delivering a cutting-edge terminal within our hometown region,” said James Dietz, aviation practice director at Henderson Engineers.
Henderson designed the technological infrastructure that enables key features including touchless kiosks, intuitive display systems and video walls, and visual paging boards for passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing – all intended to make it easier and accessible to navigate through the building.
This infrastructure will also support a biometric verification system that will enable travellers to use their faces as boarding passes during check in and boarding for international flights. The company is helping with planning and co-ordinating the installation of biometric equipment to ensure it works smoothly with other technological systems throughout the airport.
Safety is said to be a key touchpoint, so to minimise blindspots at the expansive 1,000,000 square foot terminal, Hendersen used 3D BIM software to determine the best placement for security cameras.
Using a virtual replica of the facility, engineers were able to evaluate what cameras would capture at various terminal locations and make expert recommendations accordingly.
Furthermore, Henderson is collaborating with the TSA and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) throughout the selection and installation process for security systems to ensure the terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology.
“Convenience, wellbeing, and safety are front and centre of the work we’re undertaking, and we believe it will resonate well with the passengers and airport staff once the terminal opens in early 2023,” explained Dietz.
“Virtually every design that is going into this project has an eye toward the future. We’re making sure it’s innovative now but can easily be updated as technology evolves and in case the requirements surrounding airline travel are updated.
“This flexibility will help keep MCI at the forefront of travel for decades to come.”
Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM) is the lead architect on the project and Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate is the developer.