New terminals planned for Mobile and Monterey airports in the US

Global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm, HOK, has unveiled two new terminal designs that it believes showcase how midsize airports are transforming travel across the United States.

In Mobile, Alabama, the new five-gate terminal will make the downtown airport a domestic and international travel destination.

The project – being carried out in collaboration FSB Architects and Engineers and the Mobile Airport Authority – will relocate the city’s main airport from Mobile Regional Airport west of the city.

The terminal layout places arrivals and departures on the same elevated level, with check-in and baggage claim flanking a central security area. Large floor-to-ceiling walls anchor the security checkpoint and act as wayfinding beacons. Glass walls fill the space with natural light.

Back-of-house functions and airport offices sit one level below the passenger concourse, says HOK, which states that the flexible design provides room for the airport to expand to 12 gates.

Outside, an elevated roadway leads to the terminal, with a dramatic canopy extending from the terminal roof to protect passengers from the elements. Native landscaping surrounds the site, which includes a new five-story parking garage.

“The new terminal will elevate the passenger experience at Mobile International and transform travel in the region,” said Peter Ruggiero, HOK’s lead designer on the project. “We’re thrilled to work with the Mobile Airport Authority and FSB to bring the project to life.”

Construction will begin in 2024 and is scheduled for completion in 2025. The project marks a significant milestone in enhancing air travel and regional connectivity in Alabama.

In Monterey, HOK reveals that a new five-gate terminal will replace the current outdated facility, noting that the single-level layout promotes accessibility and easy wayfinding.

An apron level below will support airport, airline and maintenance staff. The project will include the airport’s first passenger boarding bridges so travellers can easily access planes in any weather.

According to HOK, the nature-inspired design features a pre-security garden plaza with lush, native landscaping. From the garden, a glass wall offers views into the terminal’s post-security central plaza, which features a centre bar for dining and various seating options for rest and relaxation.

A post-security outdoor terrace showcases the region’s scenic beauty and mild climate.

“The Monterey Peninsula Airport District sought a beautiful and cost-effective design that expresses the beauty of Monterey,” said Bart van Vliet, project manager in HOK’s San Francisco studio.

“We’re collaborating with them to create an innovative terminal that wows and welcomes passengers to Monterey.”

The project team is also upgrading long and short-term passenger parking facilities, as well as improving the access roads leading to the airport.

The plan includes creating space to accommodate two more aircraft for overnight parking. The airport also can use this extra space for additional ground boarding when the five gates are at capacity.

The new terminal is targeting LEED Platinum certification and net-zero energy readiness.

HOK notes that airport, located in northern California, will remain operational during construction, which is set to begin in 2025.

HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who boldly state that they are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. Current and recent aviation projects include the award-winning new LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, the expansion and modernisation of O’Hare Airport’s Terminal 5 and the Salt Lake City International Airport Passenger Terminal.