May-June-2022 - 18

AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS
All airlines at MEM operate out of the new concourse. To elevate
the passenger experience, gate areas now feature enhanced
seating with cup holders, outlets, USB ports, and cordless charging
options.
ERIC MUELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
The B Concourse features moving walkways.
ERIC MUELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
The modernized MEM concourse features more natural light,
more room to move, new retail and restaurant options, and many
new amenities to enhance the passenger experience.
ERIC MUELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
In additional to more breathing room, the expansion design
incorporates new technology.
" When we think about 'modernize' from the customer
experience at an airport, it's all about leveraging technology
to streamline the process so that traveling becomes a pleasure, "
Jenkinson said. " There's no longer long queues at ticketing
because everything's automated. There's no longer going to
be queues at the baggage check because everyone is going
to be checking their own bags in the future. A lot of these
inconvenient dwell moments on a journey are being slowly
removed by technology, which leaves the customer with time
to enjoy and time to spend in concessions and retail. Part of
the modernization of an airport is to provide facilities which
can be enjoyed by the customer of today and the future. "
Materially, the airport authority wanted the airport to
offer a world-class experience yet feel like it belonged to the
community of Oklahoma City. The refreshed wing sits in
harmony with the existing terminal and a contemporary finish,
wood ceiling, increased natural daylight, terrazzo flooring is
a modern interpretation of the existing building.
The ceiling varies in height reaching up to 12-15 feet. Space
in the ceiling and above the checkpoint is used to conceal
security infrastructure. Jenkinson said, " Where the ceiling
is about 10 feet, it cascades back up to a larger light-filled
volume. You'll see a little oculus that we put in above 'the
town square.' That brings natural daylight into the space in
addition to all the light from the window in front of you as
you go through security. "
18 \ AIRPORT BUSINESS / MAY/JUNE 2022
Immediately post security is " the town square " with a
variety of shops and restaurants, 17 in all, that offer iconic
national brands and local favorites.
" As soon as you walk in, it feels like a place you want to
be, " Timbrook said. " It's not like a food court, it's this light,
open, airy space. "
A mosaic in the terrazzo floor and mezzanine glass curtain
wall, " OKConnected, " tells the story of Oklahoma City.
" People talk a lot about sense of place but I like to say, 'How
do we make place?' " Jenkinson said. Art is one way, but also
in the concession offerings or even pop-up type concessions.
" Maybe concessions become seasonal, " he suggested. " Maybe
farmer's markets can exist in the community of the airport. "
Above the town square is a glass-enclosed public observation
deck with space for exhibits and views across the airfield and
within the terminal. The idea came from then-director Mark
Kranenburg, who wanted the people of Oklahoma City to be
able to visit the airport, even when they were not traveling.
What " Modern " Means in Memphis
The focus of a $245 million project at MEM was " modernization "
of the B Concourse. (The cost estimate includes related
projects such as jet bridge construction and electrical upgrades
on the A and C concourses.)
With the Delta Air Lines' removal of passenger transfer
hub operations in 2013, airport officials announced preliminary
modernization plans in early 2014. Now an origin and
destination airport more than a transfer hub, MEM officials
May-June-2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May-June-2022
