Denver, Co, February 28, 2025 (Globe Newswire) – Fentress Architects celebrates the 30th anniversary of the International Airport Denver – still one of the most famous airport terminal in the world. As a global means of transport and architecture Marvel, the International Airport Denver continues to set standards for innovation, sustainability and passenger experience.
“Our great ideas have made us become the most busy airport in North America and the 6th most busy airport in the world. In 2024, more than 82 million passengers broadcast our airport and we assume that this number will continue to increase in the coming years. Vision 100 and Operation 2045, our strategic plans, help us to grow thoughtfully, with a view to security, sustainability and resilience. “
– Phillip A. Washington, CEO, International Airport Denver
A look back at the vision and the design
Fentress' design for the international airport in Denver (den) was recognized as a significant step beyond the conventions of the airport architecture at that time. It was the first to present an airport as an expression of the region and an answer to the needs of the passenger.
“Fentress' design for the terminal was inspired by the breathtaking background and the abundant sunshine that the plateau of the building was awarded the desert environment of the location. Initial design concepts examined the best means to integrate and imitate, and imitate the angular nature of the majestic Rocky Mountains, which provided a number of models.
The combination of a solid, earthed base with a high -flying, light -filled roof material speaks to the confluence of mountains and levels, the interface between the country and air and the magic of the flight. Similarly, the combination of an efficient operational design with aesthetic vision and innovative construction technologies celebrates progress and performance and enables the airport to achieve timeless, lasting quality. Architecture is about light and how it is used in a room. The special thing about this design is that it is simple and elegant. “
– Bill Muchow, former independent architecture consultant, city and county of Denver
Global effects and recognition
The huge, open rooms and the passenger -friendly layout of the airport continue to influence the design of airports around the world. Just like prioritization of efficiency, natural lighting and seamless travel experience through the. Over the years, the numerous awards and recognitions for his innovative design, his passenger experience and his operational excellence have been given to them. It was appointed the best airports in North America by organizations such as Skytrax and Airports Council International.
This continues to lead to sustainability and efficiency and sets new standards for environmentally friendly airport companies. It houses one of the largest solar parks at every airport in the world and has carried out comprehensive waste reduction, water protection and energy -efficient initiatives. The ongoing expansion projects of the airport contain green development principles to ensure that future growth corresponds to environmental responsibility. Its commitment to sustainability has positioned it as a global leader in the environmentally friendly aviation infrastructure.
The development of the International Airport Denver
Since its opening in 1995, a significant extent has undergone a significant extent in order to meet the growing demands on air travel and at the same time maintain its original architectural vision. It initially extends over 34,000 acres and is still the largest airport in North America in the country area and offers enough space for growth. In the past three decades, passenger traffic has increased from around 31 million travelers to over 77 million in recent years, which has caused the end renovation work, the increase in the hall and the additional infrastructure to improve capacity and efficiency.
Through all of this growth, the essence of its original design kept the essence of its original design and ensured that new developments with the iconic aesthetics of the airport are in line with. The tent-like roof of Fentress' Jeppesen Terminal, inspired by the Rocky Mountains, remains the defining architectural feature, while new additions to the modernized Great Hall and the extended Concours seam were integrated. The result 30 years later is the status as a leading international gateway that is prepared for the future of aviation.
Personal considerations of curtis value value fentress
“As a Denver International Airport (the) reached its 30th anniversary, I think about the profound effects of this project – not only in the city of Denver, but on worldwide airport design. From the beginning it was our vision to create an airport that was both functional and inspiring, a goal that embodied the spirit of the Rocky Mountain region. To see the most busy and celebrated airports in the world is evidence of the power of the innovative, human -centered design.
Designing from them was a crucial moment in my career, which shaped my architectural philosophy and my conviction reinforces that airports should be more than just transit centers – they should be uplifting rooms that improve the travel experience. The iconic tent roof, inspired by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region, set a new standard for terminal design and proves that airports can be both highly efficient and architecturally striking. This project has solidified my approach to the design of dynamic, sensible public spaces that pass the test of the time.
The legacy that goes far beyond its physical structure. It has influenced airport designs worldwide and demonstrated the importance of sustainability, passenger comfort and regional identity in large -scale infrastructure projects. Since airports develop further to meet the requirements of modern trips, I am proud that it remains a yardstick for innovation and excellence. His success confirms that thoughtful design can not only influence buildings, but also experience – and ultimately the way people are connected to the world.
While we celebrate Denver for 30 years of international airport, I would like to express very gratefully the city of Denver, the millions of travelers who have passed his halls, and the industrial partners (full list below) who have contributed to bringing this vision to life. The success of them is proof of cooperation, innovation and the predictive spirit that has made this project possible. It was an honor to see how the airport grows to one of the world's leading airfall centers and served as a goal to the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. “
– Curtis Worth Fentress, founder and headmaster of design, fentress architects
Look ahead
This stands for an exciting future with persistent expansion and modernization projects that ensure that it remains at the top of the design and efficiency airport. The airport will also develop as new technologies, sustainability initiatives and the needs of passengers.
About Fentress Architects
Fentress Architects is a global design company that passionately pursues the creation of sustainable and iconic architecture. Together with their customers, Fentress creates inspired design to improve the human environment. The company, founded by Curtis Fentress in 1980, has designed 52 billion US dollars worldwide in architectural projects and visited more than 750 million people annually. Fentress is a dynamic learning organization that has expanded the ability to design, innovations and exceed customer expectations. The company was recognized with more than 700 awards and awards. In 2010, Curtis Fentress was recognized by the American Institute of Architects with its price for outstanding achievements in public architecture, the highest honor for an architect that was designed for the public sector. Fentress Architects has studios in Denver, Washington DC, Houston, Nashville and Sacramento.
Via the International Airport Denver
Since the opening on February 28, 1995, the International Airport Denver (the) has become one of the most busy airports in the world. In 2022, 69.3 million passengers went through and did the third airport worldwide during global pandemic. In 2023, one record -breaking 77.8 million passengers welcomed, which rose by 12.3% compared to the previous year. This is Colorado's primary economic engine and generates annual economic effects of $ 47.2 billion for the state.
It has a lot of space to expand its current facilities and to absorb growth. The airport runs on 53 square miles (34,000 hectares or 137.8 square kilometers). This means that the area is twice as large as Manhattan and larger than the city limits of Boston, Miami or San Francisco. With regard to airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles International and Dallas Fort Worth could fit together in Dens expansive property.
The award -winning architecture of the and the wonderful view of the Rocky Mountains creates a unique atmosphere for travelers. The internationally recognized Peakdach from Jeppesen Terminal, designed by Fentress Architects, reflects snow -covered mountains and creates the early history of Colorado when the tipis of the American indigenous people scored the large levels.
Denver International Airport Timeline
September 1978 – Special port task is appointed by the Chamber of Commerce by Denver
November 1988 – Mayor Federico Peña appoints the Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee
Winter 1988 – Conceptual terminal design published
May 1989 – Denver voters say goodbye to a new airport referendum
September 28, 1989 – Basic auction ceremony for the international airport in Denver, preparation and construction
November 1992 – Teflon-coated glass fiber train membrane roof construction is complete
January 1993 – Federico Peña is appointed US Transport Minister
February 28, 1995 – The International Airport Denver is opened
Denver international airport design and construction team
Fentress Architects (formerly Fentress Bradburn Architects)
- Curtis Worth Fentress, Design Principal
- James Bradburn, Managing Director
- Thom Walsh, project manager and director of the airports
- John Kudrycki, manager for quality assurance
contractor
- PCL/Harbert
- Hensel Phelps
- Ma Mortenson
- Weitz/Cohen
- Alvarado
- AEG Westinghouse
- BAE automated systems
Advisor
- Western industrial company
- Sa Miro, Inc.
- Martin/Martin
- Severud Associates Consulting
- HDR Engineering, Inc.
- Architectural Energy Corporation
- Black & Veatch
- Abeyta Engineering Consultants
- Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.
- Rowan, Williams, Davies and Irwin
- TKD
- Harold Massop Associates
- Pouw & Associates
- Carl Walker Engineers
- David L Adams Associates
- Roos Szynskie, Inc.
- Riegel Associates
- CTL/Thompson
- Heitmann & Associates
- Shen, Milsom & Wilke
- Hesselberg Kesee & Associates
- Aerospace Services International
Attachment
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International Airport Denver
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Curtis W. Fentress and Jim Bradburn, Fentress Bradburn Architects (now Fentress Architects)
Jenny Ito Fentress Architects 303 282 6070 ito@fentressarchitects.com