RS&H-Designed San Luis Obispo Airport Terminal wins ENR Award

The new San Luis Obispo County Airport Terminal has received a lot of positive reviews and industry awards since opening last fall.

In May, the terminal project planning team won the John L. Martin Partnered Project of the Year Award from the International Partnering Institute. Now, the RS&H-designed terminal has been recognized by ENR California as the best airport and transit project in Southern California.

Three panels of judges have completed weeks of scoring and discussion to determine the list of winners. The projects listed below will be profiled in the October 8 issue of ENR California, and at two awards presentations in October.

Judges reviewed more than 100 projects located throughout California and Hawaii. Projects were evaluated on the ability of the project team to overcome challenges, contribution to the industry and community, safety and construction and design quality.

Designing a long-sought after and urgently needed facility amidst magnificent scenery meant high expectations for the final product. The RS&H team knew that integrating the region’s natural beauty and old-California charm while creating a modern terminal facility would be a top priority.

“San Luis Obispo County is a special place, and we are delighted that terminal has been so well received not only by people of San Luis Obispo, but by the traveling public and our peers in the industry.” said Joe Jackson, RS&H’s project officer for the terminal project.

In a region that hosts a variety of tourism, agriculture and coastal activities, the team wanted the building to represent the local residents’ love of the outdoors. Directly surrounded by world-renowned wineries like Paso Robles and Edna Valley, the terminal is oriented to offer breathtaking views of the vineyards and mountains. The extensive use of glass throughout the building takes full advantage of the scenery and allows for daylight harvesting.

One of the most unique aspects of the building is the exterior courtyard that connects the landside to the hold rooms. After check-in and security screening, passengers have the option to wait for boarding in the beautifully sculpted garden, which takes advantage of the year-round, near perfect weather of the region.