The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Stantec to provide architecture and engineering design services for a new air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control base building (TRACON) at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Alaska.
This structure will replace the current tower that was constructed in 1977 and was designed to accommodate just four air traffic controller positions.
As ANC has since added new runways, expanded its terminals and increased the capacity of its cargo operations, the additional aircraft movements have created a need for more air traffic controllers, leading to overcrowding.
Once complete, the new air traffic control tower will be the tallest structure in Alaska at more than 300 feet tall, nearly twice as tall as the existing tower.
The 12-sided cab will be clad with a durable metal panel rainscreen and glazing and will provide improved technology for monitoring aircraft movements.
Meanwhile, the two-story TRACON building adjacent to the tower will house radar-approach operations and administrative functions. Stantec’s design for this 35,000-square-foot building will include a low wall and roof-to-floor area ratio to improve energy efficiency.
Alex Thome, principal in Stantec’s airport practice said:It’s an honour to work with the Federal Aviation Administration again to upgrade the air traffic control and radar approach facilities at Anchorage International Airport. This facility is critical to the future safe movement of millions of passengers and much of the air cargo entering and exiting the United States. Combining Stantec’s Alaska-specific design experience from our Anchorage staff with our global aviation-design expertise allows us to provide the FAA the best of both worlds.
Structurally, the new air traffic control tower will meet the needs of high seismic performance in the cold region to provide staff with a safe work environment in all conditions.
