This thoughtfully designed parking garage, located north of Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, is an early step in plans to expand the terminal and support growing passenger numbers. As the first building encountered on the approach to the airport, it was conceived as a new front door to the city and an opportunity to enliven the arrival experience. In response to its prominent setting, vehicle circulation is moved outboard of the main structure, creating dynamic, crossing ramps behind a giant-order colonnade.
Beyond this ‘ramp engine’ is a rigorously efficient post-tensioned concrete structure, designed to house more than 2,000 cars across five levels. These cascading ramps have capacity to provide access to the new garage and future parking facilities. An electronic guidance system directs motorists to the nearest available space. Vehicle areas are deliberately pared back, while contrastingly colourful pedestrian routes make the way to the terminal clear and intuitive. The routes lead to a new lift core between the existing and new garages, serving both structures and connecting travellers to the existing terminal tunnel and the next stage of their journey.
Durable precast concrete panels clad the building. Their canted profile and lightly embossed motif offer a subtle nod to the monumental parking garages and airport architecture of the past.
