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Raleigh Durham International Airport

1999 AIA North Carolina Merit Award

The RDU Center combines offices for airport staff, public meeting space for the Airport Authority, and ground floor tenant space. A two-story bar of offices and a large one-story meeting room form an L, with the major spaces organized around a double-height lobby.

The Airport Authority’s concern for the quality of their work environment led to several distinguishing features: perimeter offices give each employee private space and a view; each floor has a lounge and kitchen; varyingly sized conference room serve different meeting needs; and all offices are wired for the latest technology.

Whereas the office bar focuses on the individuals work space, the one-story hall answers the needs of large groups. The multi-purpose room can be subdivided into smaller spaces, is serviced by its own warming kitchen, and is equipped with progressive audio/video capabilities. A suspended canopy shelters the entry plaza, providing an ideal gathering place.

Locating the complex at the corner of the irregularly shaped site anticipates future expansion of both building and parking. A concrete roof deck, laminated glass, and additional wall mass all reduce aircraft noise. Aluminum cladding reflects both a functional aircraft aesthetic and the high-tech image of the region.

RDU Airport Authority Building

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