The new Kansas City International (KCI) Airport parking garage and terminal introduce a transformational new era of the KCI Airport and represent the Kansas City region on a global scale. BNIM, in a collaborative design-build partnership with JE Dunn, completed the new 2.5 million SF KCI Airport parking garage which accompanies the newly constructed single terminal. BNIM and JE Dunn coordinated efforts with SOM to develop a cohesive compositional relationship between the parking garage and terminal through structural rhythm and facades, enhancing KCI Airport’s presence.
With BNIM founding principals having served as design team members on the original 1972 terminals, BNIM was eager to continue this legacy and carry KCI into its next era. The original KCI Airport design centered on creating convenience in the flying experience at KCI. The design team aimed to maintain this design ethos in the new parking garage by enhancing visitor experience across multiple scales, from the vehicular entry sequence to inclusive pedestrian access approaching the terminal.
The goals for this project included providing a quality passenger experience, initiating clear intuitive wayfinding, representing Kansas City and regional identity, and creating convenient access to multiple modes of transportation. The parking garage establishes the initial view of the new KCI Airport visible from I-29 highway, and provides 6,219 parking stalls to accommodate visitors. Vehicular speed ramps to all levels of the garage are stacked to the far eastern façade away from the terminal, allowing for safer pedestrian use as visitors move from west to east through the garage toward the terminal entrance. Features such as electric vehicle charging stations, ease of access to multiple modes of transport, and a smart parking guidance system seek to improve user experience within the garage.
The KCI Airport new terminal and parking garage features the largest One Percent for Art initiative in Kansas City history. The design-build team worked with the One Percent for Art program and the Municipal Arts Commission to incorporate art installations throughout the garage that positively impact human experience, while highlighting the works of artists. Art pieces by Hou De Sousa and Jill Anholt Studio are prominently located in stairwells and above pedestrian arrival crosswalks.
The parking garage also contributes to the overall KCI Airport complex's achievement of LEED BD+C NC (New Construction) Gold Certification. The garage incorporates a 168 kW array of photovoltaic solar integration on the south facade of the garage, concrete carbon reduction strategies, and support of an all-electric bus fleet.
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