2.18.10 | Philadelphia, PA | With more than 20 years experience providing architecture and interior design services for Philadelphia International Airport, Daroff Design Inc + DDI Architects, PC (DDI) is pleased to participate in the grand opening of its largest commission, the completion of Philadelphia International Airport’s Terminal D/E Renovation and Expansion project. This $300 million project links and renovates the existing Terminal D and Terminal E with a striking new four-story terminal offering improved passenger amenities and baggage screening – a significant step toward achieving the city’s goal of a world-class gateway for the traveling public.

Karen Daroff, IIDA, DDI’s Principal in charge of design with the Philadelphia-based, women-owned firm, said, “Having built our business here in Philadelphia over the past 37 years, it’s both personally and professionally rewarding for us to be the architect and interior designer entrusted with this very important renovation and expansion to the Philadelphia International Airport. While we work all over the country, we have a great deal of civic pride, and we’re thrilled have this local opportunity, which makes it even more special.”

Daroff added, “We’re certain the new and enhanced terminal expansion will help reinforce the airport’s ability to attract more airlines, travelers and expand service through its modern design, bright and uplifting spaces, planned with the latest advances in security technology and traveler amenities.

This terminal expansion project, which began shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001, resulted from a masterplan created by DDI, showing how Terminals D and E could be connected to enhance security operations and to facilitate the screening process for the traveling public.

As part of the master planning process Daroff and her team, in conjunction with architects Odell Associates and SPG3, introduced new retail and restaurant concession areas and substantial additional queuing space, in addition to allowing continuous, spacious access from Terminal A-West to Terminal E. Offering respite to the traveling public, two new public artwork installations and concession areas are integrated into the uplifting, sunlight-drenched public concourse. Ascending on the escalator the experience is enhanced with several dimensional art installations made of multi-layer etched glass, local stone, metal and organic materials by artists Elizabeth Billings and Andrea Wasserman. Visually, the spaces provide continuity and memorable, brand images framed by contemporary and durable materials including feature walls of sparkling white glass tile, crisp white and grey terrazzo floor finishes, stainless steel, and solid surface millwork features.

Said Rina Cutler, Philadelphia’s deputy mayor for Transportation and Utilities, “This expansion project successfully provides travelers with much-needed security features and world class amenities in a clean, modern setting befitting our reputation as an award-winning airport. Surveys show that Philadelphia International Airport consistently ranks highest in overall satisfaction. This highly functional and visually stunning design speaks volumes to passengers.”

Security and passenger amenities

Daroff points out that the D/E terminal now offers a new centralized and expanded security checkpoint including 14 screening lanes to expedite the security screening process. A new state-of-the-art automated baggage screening system, due to open early next year, will dramatically improve baggage processing speed and efficiency. On the third level are new Division of Aviation offices and space allocated for a new airline club. Other passenger amenities include 23 new ticket counter positions, ample public circulation areas, and dozens of new chic and inviting retail and food and beverage venues – colorful and contemporary new places for passenger to shop and dine.

Says DDI’s Kent Lessly, AIA, managing principal for the project, “One of the most difficult challenges has been to design and construct this project without disruptions to the traveling public. In one area, we literally built the building around an elevated public corridor linking Terminals D and E with the rest of the Airport. None of this could have happened with out the cooperation of the airlines and working closely with the team at the airport – including Frederick Robinson, RA, with the Division of Aviation – together we’ve been able to deliver a seamless and successful project.”

Daroff Design Inc + DDI Architects, PC, in association with Odell Associates and a long list of Philadelphia-based consultants – including O’Donnell and Naccarato, Brinjac Engineering, Urban Engineers, Synterra, WF Design Group, Gilbane Building Co, and McKissack Group – coordinated a complex facility and construction program consisting of new site work, foundations, utility access, the steel structure and glass curtain walls for the new D/E connector building.

This same team, along with Robert C. Henry, P.E., Facilities Manager, Southwest Airlines Co, collaborated on the expansion of Concourse E. The interiors of the new expansion focus on a dramatic, rotunda at the center of a sweeping semi-circular gate lounge that accommodates expanded gate facilities for Southwest Airlines. The design employs durable, sleek materials in a sophisticated palette of whites and greys. The radial layout of the aircraft loading bridges affords an open view to the aircraft and airfield. At the apex of the concourse vista, the new rotunda design is accented by an artistic suspended sculpture with a yellow background of bright yellow hues conceived by artist Mei Ling Hom.

Already the subject of positive critical acclaim, the Terminal D/E Expansion projects a modern, sleek image to both arriving and departing passengers, said Philadelphia International Airport's CEO, Mark Gale: “We’re very pleased with the function and comfort of the terminal expansion, and also with our initial feedback from passengers and airport tenants. The D/E expansion, designed by DDI, a firm we've worked with successfully for many years, has helped us achieve our vision for the airport, and will allow us to accommodate increased visitor traffic while providing a memorable, world-class travel experience.”

In fact, Daroff Design Inc + DDI Architects, PC has been involved with noted projects at Philadelphia International Airport for more than two decades. “It’s been a long and fruitful relationship, and we are thrilled to have gained and maintained the confidence and support of the Division of Aviation,” said Daroff. “We were honored to be named as the project’s lead architect, a first for a women-owned business. And we’re proud to have been part of this successful expansion.”

Additional DDI Project Experience

 Daroff adds that DDI has also participated in the design of other projects at Philadelphia International Airport, including work on the interiors of Terminals B, C, and F as well as work on the recently completed International Terminal. Other aviation assignments for the firm include their role as Associate Designer for the planning and interior design of the JetBlue Terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, and their role as head of the Design Advisory Committee for the City of Louisville’s airport renovation.

In addition to aviation design, DDI is a respected leader in hospitality, gaming, and restaurants and is currently designing several projects globally, including two major hospitality projects in China. Domestically, the DDI hospitality team recently completed the 750 room Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel and is currently providing architecture and interior design services for the renovation of DoubleTree Crystal City in Virginia and numerous Loews Hotels nationwide. Other recently completed and noteworthy Philadelphia projects include the interior design of the new Comcast Headquarters, the architectural renovation of Center Square across from Philadelphia City Hall, and an exciting new project for the Historic Philadelphia Lights of Liberty tourist venue.

Renowned nationally and internationally as leading architecture and design firms, Daroff Design Inc + DDI Architects, PC have offices in Center City Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Shanghai.

For high-resolution images and interviews, please contact
Stacey Sproviero at staceys@daroffdesign.com and (215) 636 9900 x 308.

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About DDI (www.daroffdesign.com)

Daroff Design Inc + DDI Architects, PC is an internationally recognized full service interior design and architecture firm headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Daroff Design Inc, a woman-owned business, was founded in 1973 by its President and Design Principal Karen Daroff.  Along with its architectural affiliate, Daroff Design employs 50 architects, interior designers and graphic artists in its Philadelphia studio and Baltimore satellite offices.

TERMINAL D/E OVERVIEW
Budget: $300 million project
History: First major renovation of two 1970s-era terminals
Economic impact: 600+ construction jobs and 200+ permanent jobs created
Architectural design: Rotunda-style hammerhead with three new gates (Terminal E)
Travel amenities: 9,000-square-foot baggage claim area with two new carousels

TERMINAL D-E CONNECTOR BUILDING
Scope: 210,000 square foot, 4-level building
Security features: In-line Explosives Detection System (EDS) baggage screening 14-lane security checkpoint
Travel amenities: New meeter / greeter waiting area 43,000 square feet of airline club space
Airport amenities: Additional office space
Access to secure side from Terminal A-West to Terminal E
Improved passenger and baggage processing
Incorporates 2 multi-lane secure exits
Incorporates two new pieces of public artwork