Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport New Terminal, Kenner, LA

When the new North Terminal opened in November 2019, it created a transformative environment for travelers that showcases the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The new 35-gate, 740,000 sf terminal replaces the existing outdated terminal with a sophisticated and energy-efficient new building. As the mechanical, BMS, and high-performance design engineer, Syska Hennessy Group provided planning, design, and construction administration for the new terminal, which consists of two concourses, a central utility plant, and a 2,000-car parking facility. Syska also provided concept design and peer review for electrical, plumbing, fire protection, fire alarm, and lighting systems.

Syska’s design of innovative mechanical engineering systems included a stratification-type ventilation variable-air-volume system to save energy while providing effective temperature control in high-ceilinged spaces of 30 – 35 feet. Air columns of similar height have jet diffusers that deliver the air for conditioning the occupied zone only. Radiant cooling and heating are provided in selected areas of the terminal for spaces exposed to high solar load (next to the south curtainwall and below the main skylight). During favorable outside conditions, air-side economizers use 100% outside air to conserve energy. Syska also arranged heat recovery sections (heat pipe) for the 100% outside air units.