On a recent trip to San Francisco, we flew on the new Virgin America (which was great, by the way) and in to San Francisco International Airport. With it’s sweeping roof top and walls of glass, SFO’s International Terminal is truly a stunning piece of architecture.
Designed by Craig W. Hartman, of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the project was completed in December 2000 and is the largest international terminal in North America. It is also the largest building in the world built on base isolators, to protect it from earthquakes. The wing-like forms of the roof not only mimic the idea of aviation, but also the bending forces of the entire building.
The terminal is an outstanding piece of modernist architecture and is truly a sight that must be seen. We flew in around 8:30 AM, so it was quiet as we walked toward the BART station. It was strange that a place that can, at times, be so chaotic, could also be incredibly serene. Flooded with natural light, the vast space almost felt like a gigantic cathedral (strange enough, Mr. Hartman’s most recent design is the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland). It was a particularly wonderful moment.
More photos of SFO International Terminal here.
