Fentress, Designer of Some of the World’s Best Airports, to Be Awarded the Highest Honor in Public Architecture
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is honoring Curtis Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, with the highest award for public architecture, the Thomas Jefferson Award. Fentress, designer of some of the world’s best airports (including Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea), is best known for designing these most complex of public spaces. He will be the world's first airport architect to receive this prestigious honor at the 2010 AIA National Convention. The public design award recognizes Fentress for “a portfolio of accomplishments that evidences great depth while making a significant contribution to the quality of public architecture.”
“Fentress has thrust architecture into the public consciousness… and done so in a way that has made it an accessible, comfortable part of the wider public culture,” says Paul Goldberger, former architecture critic of the New York Times.
Fentress first revolutionized airport design by “flipping the airport upside down” with Denver International Airport. The terminal’s peaked roof has become well known to travelers worldwide. For the first time, an airport became the symbol of a city.
Fentress’ airports have remained at the forefront of design innovation through his determination to transform what had become “people processing” facilities. Fentress shifted the focus of airport design to the people who use it, humanizing airport spaces with natural daylight and comforts that enhance the passenger’s experience from “curbside to airside.”
In the 18 years since the Jefferson Award was first bestowed, only seven individuals have been recognized in the ‘private-sector architect’ category. Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, was an architect, thought leader and inventor. The Jefferson Award is a testament to Fentress’ vision, design philosophy and excellence in the field of public architecture.
World’s Best | Fentress is internationally recognized for his innovative design portfolio, which has been featured in over 1,200 national and international articles and books and honored with over 300 awards for design excellence and innovation. Fentress’ eight Touchstones of Design™ form a thoughtful philosophy balancing creativity and discipline. His award-winning airports are admired by travelers and respected by aviation professionals.
- Incheon International Airport | Seoul, South Korea
- “World’s Best Airport,” Skytrax’s 2009 World Airport Awards, voted by 8.6 million international travelers
- “World’s Best Airport,” Airports Council International, voted by 200,000 travelers four consecutive years (2005-2008)
- Denver International Airport | Denver, Colorado
- “Best Airport in North America” by Business Traveler magazine, four consecutive years (2005-2008)
- Los Angeles International Airport, Masterplan and new International Terminal
Fentress’ portfolio includes international airport terminals in Seattle, San Jose, Sacramento and Raleigh. His award-winning public buildings range from major museums (the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Washington, DC, winner of 20 awards in 20 months) to convention centers, courthouses and government headquarters. Fentress has designed 14 high-rises in the Persian Gulf, including the world’s 10th tallest building completed in 2009.
Fentress Architects is an international design firm that passionately pursues the creation of sustainable and iconic public architecture. Founded by Curtis Fentress in 1980, Fentress Architects is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and maintains offices in San Jose, CA; Los Angeles, CA; and Washington D.C. Curtis Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, has designed more than $22 billion of architectural landmarks worldwide, visited by 300 million people each year. Visit us online at www.fentressarchitects.com.
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