Building with smart windows from left to right on a large modern glass building.
Owner
Metropolitan Airports Commission
Architect
Alliiance
Product
SageGlass Classic
Project Size
2,149 m²
Completed
2015-2022 Multiple Projects

CHALLENGE

Traveling is often a stressful experience, from waiting in security lines to rushing to make it to the gate. Along with the traditional stressors associated with air travel, the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport faced another challenge. Because the airport’s north security checkpoint (Charles Lindbergh terminal) faced east, travelers suffered from glare and heat while waiting in line for security. Along with traveler frustration, Travel Security Administration (TSA) employees working in this area, often facing the outdoors, experienced discomfort throughout the day due to heat gain and glare.

MSP is one of the busiest airports in the United States, with more than 36 million travelers per year; airport management knew they needed to find a way to make this space more comfortable in order to improve the experience for travelers and airport security. Their project architect, Alliiance, chose SageGlass as a solution.

 

SOLUTION

Alliiance was pleased to find that SageGlass was capable of helping the terminal overcome these challenges while breathing new life into the space.

The architect chose to install SageGlass due to its ability to optimize daylight while simultaneously preventing heat gain and glare in order to create a more comfortable environment for both travelers and TSA employees. Along with improving comfort, the architect selected SageGlass for its ability to provide travelers with beautiful outdoor views, creating a more spacious and open design while waiting in line for security. Additionally, due to the innovative nature of the product, SageGlass helped to transform the more than 50-year-old airport terminal building to meet the needs of today’s travelers.

 

BENEFITS

As a result of installing SageGlass, travelers are able to enjoy the biophilic benefits of the outdoors, including a reduction in stress levels, which is particularly important in an environment often associated with elevated stress. Additionally, TSA employees have reported feeling more comfortable in their glare-free work environment. They no longer suffer from excessive heat and glare from the sun, which has resulted in an increase in productivity.

SageGlass plays an important role, both for energy conservation and for the indoor environment. Passengers benefit from daylight and views, but direct solar penetration can be controlled. This means better working conditions for security personnel, which in turn leads to a better travel experience.
Greg Maxam, Director of Sustainable Design at Alliiance
Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport

 

 

 

 

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