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Missoula, Montana
Missoula Airport Passenger Terminal
Elevating the Travel Experience
The Missoula Airport hired Morrison-Maierle to help design their new passenger terminal. The new building increased airline capacity and improved safety and security for the airport and the flying public.
Key features of the award-winning airport included:
- A state-of-the-art baggage handling system that improves security and allows faster turnaround times for airlines when processing luggage.
- New equipment for the TSA passenger checkpoint that allows more efficient and accurate screening of passengers.
- The new building exceeds energy efficiency standards and has been designed to LEED Silver standards.
- Design integrated energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting, water consumption fixtures, and dynamic-glazing windows that help block ultraviolet rays and heat from entering the building, all while maintaining the full view of the surrounding landscape.
- The HVAC system uses water pulled from the aquifer to cool the building.
- The water is filtered and returned to the aquifer after it has cycled through the building, making it a self-sustainable system that is a highly efficient, low-cost means of heating and cooling the facility.
- The building uses the latest technological trends to assist with messaging, wayfinding, and enhanced Wi-Fi, which all lead to an improved experience for the passenger.
- Accessibility – The building is designed to make travel easier for those in need of accessibility assistance. ADA-compliant escalators and elevators, a service animal relief area, enhanced audio/visual signage, and family restrooms, among other design features.
- This building is one of four terminals in the country that is recognized for being a “sensory inclusive” facility by KultureCity.
- Visitors with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other sensory sensitivities can get a virtual tour of the terminal (that was completed by the design team) before arriving and can also get additional materials to help cope with their visit to the Missoula Montana Airport Terminal.
Client
Missoula County Airport Authority
Awards
ACEC-Montana Grand Project Award
Budget
$77M
After analyzing options, we determined that a new facility was the most cost-effective choice.
The new terminal has a variety of ADA-compliant features.
The HVAC system works by circulating water throughout the floor and building.
All airport operational software and systems can be managed through the IP network.
The waiting area contains one of the only outdoor decks accessible to the public.
Services and Highlights
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Aviation
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Civil
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Construction administration and management
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Electrical
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Fire protection
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Information and communications technology
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Manage grants and cash flow
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Mechanical
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Plumbing
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Prime consultant
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Secure funding
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Structural
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Survey
Alternative Delivery Method
To increase flexibility and meet our funding objectives, we worked with Martel Construction on an alternative delivery method. This meant that we only had about 25% of the design complete by the time Martel started working on the project. From that point on, we worked simultaneously to design, build, and bid out various components of the project. In total, 14 different bid packages were awarded for this project that helped maximize funding opportunities and meet project schedules.
Because of this aggressive teaming structure, we were able to jointly set the project schedule and budget and stay closely aligned throughout the entire process. This allowed for fewer change orders and more collaborative problem-solving sessions between the engineer, architect, contractor, and owner. The flexibility of this approach allowed us to adapt to conditions in the field. In the end, we came in about $1.5M under budget, which is highly unusual for any project of this magnitude, much less one completed during COVID-19.
The public observation deck on the third floor is a space to observe takeoffs and landings.
We used dynamic, dimmable south-facing windows to keep glare out and reduce heat gain in the building.
Accessibility for All
The new Missoula Airport building is one of only four terminals in the country that is recognized for being a “sensory inclusive” facility by KultureCity. The engineering design decisions helped make travel easier for those in need of accessibility assistance. It has features like ADA-compliant escalators and elevators, a service animal relief area with a flushing system, enhanced audio/visual signage, and family restrooms. The building also uses the latest technological trends to assist with messaging, wayfinding, and enhanced Wi-Fi, all leading to an improved experience for the passenger.
Visitors with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other sensory sensitivities can get a virtual tour of the terminal (that was completed by the design team) before arriving. They can also get additional materials to help cope with their visit to the Missoula Montana Airport Terminal.
On Time and Under Budget
As a result of our unique teaming approach, the entire team (airport, architect, contractor, and engineer) was closely aligned throughout the entire project process. This allowed us to complete the project on time and $1.5M under our planned budget.
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