Queens, NY

John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 1

Scope/Solutions
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Project Summary

Scope/Solutions

As part of a larger effort to create a contemporary global gateway, the new Terminal 1 at John F. Kennedy International Airport increases capacity with twenty-three new gates, incorporates sustainability initiatives, and elevates the travelers’ experience with modern amenities. SGH consulted on the fire life safety design for the first phase of the project, including fifteen gates and covering approximately 1.8 million sq ft over three levels.

SGH consulted on the fire life safety design, developing strategies for the terminal and concourse, as well as the AirTrain that runs through the facility. Highlights of our work include:

Reviewing egress/life safety drawings and design drawings for code compliance
Performing computational fluid dynamics modeling and providing the smoke control rational analysis for the large atrium that connects all the levels in the headhouse and features high ceilings with a central spine of clearstory windows
Performing egress calculations and the smoke control analysis, including computational fluid dynamics modeling of smoke movement, for the fire-rated tunnel enclosure constructed around the existing AirTrain tracks that remained
Coordinating with mechanical engineers on the smoke control systems
Developing solutions for complicated building and fire code issues, such as exit capacity, exit access travel distance, and fire-resistance-rated separations
Documenting the terminal and AirTrain life safety strategies in a report, which addressed requirements of the NYC Building and Fire Code, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Tenant Construction Review Manual, and NFPA 130 and 502
Helping the architect navigate challenging approval requirements with PANYNJ