The DEN Passenger Terminal Complex's iconic design is inspired by the Rocky Mountains.
With a deadline of only three weeks to create the terminal’s conceptual design, Fentress Architects broke the mold of traditional airport architecture by “turning the building upside down.”
Drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, Fentress Architects designed the Passenger Terminal Complex at Denver International Airport to express civic pride and a deep sense of place. The terminal rises from a solid, stone-like base into a stunning pavilion. Moreover, it is crowned by one of the largest tensile membrane structures in the world. The breathtaking Rockies frame this iconic gateway to the West, creating an unforgettable impression on every visitor.
Innovative Design Meets Functionality
One of the most innovative design features relocates the building’s mechanical infrastructure underground, instead of placing it on the roof as is typical. As a result, the terminal transforms into a bright, airy space that feels both modern and welcoming. Furthermore, this strategic decision reduces the need for thousands of pounds of structural steel and other materials, which enhances both sustainability and efficiency.
In addition, triangular clerestory windows on the east and west sides, combined with expansive glass curtain walls to the north and south, add visual drama. These features are supported by cable trusses, which not only emphasize the tensile nature of the structure but also form elegant overhangs along the roof’s edges.
A Traveler-Centric Experience
As travelers enter the main terminal, they are immediately greeted by its soaring scale, with roof peaks stretching up to 150 feet. Additionally, clear signage and an intuitive circulation system simplify navigation across multiple levels. From the ticketing area, passengers proceed to an elevated walkway. This path not only encircles the expansive Great Hall but also provides sweeping views of the terminal’s impressive scale.
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Award-Winning Design
The Passenger Terminal Complex at Denver International Airport is Fentress Architects most celebrated project. It has garnered nearly 50 honors, awards and citations including:
- #1 Best Large Airport, USA Today, 2021
- 25-Year Award, AIA Western Mountain Region, 2021
- 25-Year Award, AIA Colorado, 2020
- #1 Best of the Biggest US Airports, Wall Street Journal, 2018
- Top U.S. Airport and No. 3 in the World, Skytrax World Airport Awards, 2017
- #5 in Mega Airports, North America Airport Satisfaction Study, JD Power and Associates, 2017
- World’s Most Beautiful Airports, Top 10 List, CNBC, 2011
- World’s Most Beautiful Airports, Top 15 List, Travel + Leisure Magazine, 2010
- Best Airport in North America, Annual Readers’ Survey, Business Traveler Magazine, 2005-2010
- #1 Airport in Design and Functionality, Travel + Leisure Magazine, 2009
- America’s 4th Favorite Architectural Landmark, AIA and Harris Interactive Poll, 2007
- Top 5 Airports, Wall Street Journal, 2001
- Grand Award, Gold Nugget Awards, Pacific Coast Builders Conference, 1995
- Honor Award, Design for Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1995
- Honor Award, AIA Denver, 1994
- Honor Award, AIA Western Mountain, 1994
- Honor Award, AIA Colorado, 1994
Sustainable by Design
Fentress’ innovative selection of roofing material and technology was a sustainable strategy that has conserved energy and consequently saved money. The fabric roof transmits sufficient daylight to significantly reduce energy needs for artificial lighting and related cooling loads, making DIA’s passenger terminal complex one of the world’s largest daylit structures.
The roof design especially reduced material requirements (structural steel, concrete, and embodied energy), while providing a durable, self-cleaning system. The roof’s configuration provides vents for warm air and so reduces cooling energy costs.
More recently, the airport installed three large-scale solar projects, thus bringing the total amount of solar power produced there to 8 megawatts, the highest amount of solar generation at a commercial airport in the United States.
