Category: Aviation/Public Transportation

The Concourse E Seating Project at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) represents a vital component of the airport’s broader modernization efforts, aimed at enhancing both functionality and passenger experience. As one of the busiest airports globally, ATL sought to transform Concourse E into a modern, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment that seamlessly blends with the cutting-edge design of its newly upgraded international terminal.

CBI was selected to provide and install Vitra Airline Beam Seating throughout Concourse E, designed to meet the highest standards of comfort, durability, and modernity. The seating system features PU seat shells, complemented by cast aluminum arms, legs, and beams, offering a sleek and contemporary look that complements the high-traffic nature of the concourse. To address the increasing need for power access in public spaces, the seating incorporates 3-gang power units that provide both 120V outlets and USB charging ports, ensuring travelers remain connected and powered throughout their journey.

In total, 5,000 seats were installed across all gates in Concourse E, replacing outdated seating with a fresh, modern alternative that enhances the airport’s overall design. Given the scale of the project, CBI worked closely with Vitra to assemble the seating off-site before delivering it fully assembled to Concourse E. This streamlined process ensured minimal disruption to airport operations during installation.

Additionally, Vitra seating has been integrated into specific gates within Concourse D & F, as well as in pre- and post-security ADA seating areas, installed as part of the project in 2023. These installations were integral to ensuring that all passengers, including those with mobility challenges, had access to convenient and comfortable seating options.

This $5,000,000 furniture project, which was issued in July 2020, is part of a larger, LEED Gold-certified effort to modernize the airport’s facilities while maintaining a focus on environmental sustainability and efficiency. Designed by Gresham Smith in a firm-led joint venture, the comprehensive design of the international gateway includes a 1.2-million-square-foot terminal and concourse, as well as a highly complex 40-foot-deep connector constructed beneath the existing Concourse E. The project adhered to a fast-track timeline and a strict budget, ensuring a high-quality outcome despite the complexity of the undertaking.

The Concourse E Seating Project exemplifies the intersection of form, function, and innovation, providing ATL with seating solutions that meet the needs of both passengers and the airport, while contributing to the world-class experience that is synonymous with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Albany, Georgia

The legacy of the civil rights movement in Albany figured into the plans for this transit hub that will not only improve transportation options, but help revitalize the city’s downtown area. As part of NBA’s context-sensitive design approach, the team met with community members, transportation stakeholders and city officials in an effort to preserve the aesthetic, historic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of the district. The architecture of the Albany Transportation Center harmonizes with the historical elements, while still communicating that ATS is a contemporary transit system. The facility, which houses a transfer island with 12 bays, Greyhound bus slips and terminal, operations and dispatch facilities, also features a computer lab accessible to the public. NBA has designed two exhibits for the multi-modal hub. A wall display inside the main lobby powerfully depicts the lunch-counter sit-ins staged at this former Trailways Bus Terminal in 1961. Just beyond, a plaza commemorates activist Ola Mae Quarterman, known as Albany’s Rosa Parks.

Scope / Components
– 10,327 sf Transportation Center
– Operations and dispatch facilities
– Transfer island with 12 ATS bays
– Two Greyhound bus slips
– Greyhound passenger terminal
– Driver break area
– Public computer lab
– Located in the historic Harlem Commercial District