Ronald Reagan National Airport

The Challenge

Designed to accommodate 15 million passengers per year, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, just outside Washington, D.C., routinely sees more than 23 million passengers annually. To transform the passenger experience, the airport launched a $1 billion, multi-year construction effort known as “Project Journey”. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority-led project team set about creating a new Secure National Hall, moving from three smaller TSA security checkpoints, each serving different gate areas, to two 50,000-square-foot security checkpoints which would allow access to all gates and, just as importantly, all post-security amenities, including shopping and dining. In creating this hall, the Airports Authority, which operates Reagan National and Dulles International, wanted to reduce post-security congestion and streamline the security screening process. Opportunities for natural light and views, while avoiding glare and remaining energy efficient, were also important considerations.  

The Solution

Initially the project team considered interior mechanical shades. While these would automatically control glare, they don’t prevent heat gain, would block most daylight and eliminate views. Dynamic glass became the team’s solution because it controls glare, and heat gain, while still preserving some daylight and unobstructed views. The fact that dynamic glass is maintenance free, whereas dynamic shades require routine maintenance, was an added plus.

The Benefits

Dynamic glass delivers the daylight, views and overall comfort that contribute to an improved passenger experience. The dynamic glass also provides benefits to personnel at the checkpoints by reducing glare and increasing thermal control.