Modernization of major airport facilities continues to showcase the growing role of collaborative project delivery and digital construction technologies, with a large-scale terminal redevelopment at San Francisco International Airport receiving industry recognition for both project execution and virtual construction practices.
Hensel Phelps, working with Gensler and Kuth Ranieri Architects, was recognized for its work on the Harvey Milk Terminal 1 project at San Francisco International Airport.
The more than 900,000-square-foot project includes a new check-in hall, Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, upgraded holdrooms and baggage claim areas, a sensory room and expanded passenger circulation areas. The redevelopment also added new connections to Boarding Area C, the International Terminal, the AirTrain system and the airport's central parking garage.
A key feature of the project is the installation of an Independent Carrier System baggage handling system, marking the first deployment of the technology at a U.S. airport.
The project team used a progressive design-build model to deliver the terminal while maintaining a minimum of nine active gates throughout construction. Coordination among the owner, designers, trade partners and adjacent project teams relied on co-located planning, phased construction sequencing and detailed scheduling to minimize disruptions to airport operations.
Virtual design and construction tools also played a central role in project execution. The team used a federated building information modeling platform to coordinate disciplines, support decision-making and integrate model-based workflows into field operations.
Robotic layout technologies and model verification processes were also incorporated to improve construction accuracy and reduce rework.
The terminal redevelopment achieved LEED Platinum certification along with Fitwel 2 Star Design Certification and Fitwel 3 Star Build Certification. The project incorporated strategies intended to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon impacts and improve indoor environmental quality.
The work was completed despite operational challenges that included evolving project conditions and pandemic-related disruptions affecting labor access and construction sequencing.
The recognition of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 underscores the increasing adoption of progressive design-build delivery and digital construction tools on complex aviation projects. For construction owners and airport operators, the project demonstrates how phased delivery strategies and advanced modeling technologies can support major infrastructure upgrades while maintaining active operations.
The project also highlights growing demand for integrated project teams capable of delivering large transportation projects that combine operational continuity, sustainability goals and advanced building technologies.
The Harvey Milk Terminal 1 project highlights how progressive design-build delivery and advanced digital construction tools are becoming increasingly important on large, operationally sensitive infrastructure projects. For construction owners, the project demonstrates the value of early collaboration among owners, designers and contractors to manage complex phasing, maintain facility operations and improve schedule certainty. The use of building information modeling, robotic layout technologies and integrated project teams also illustrates how digital workflows can enhance coordination, reduce rework and support long-term facility performance on major transportation projects.
Source: Hensel Phelps.
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