SFIA International Terminal

By Joint Venture Architects: SOM, MWA, & DCM

MODERN DESIGN TAKES FLIGHT

Bill Hansell’s inaugural project upon his relocation from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 1994 was working with SOM on the massive design effort of the SFIA International Terminal. The vast Departures Hall, the central focus of the structure, consumed a year of conceptual trials and detailing, all of which is evident in the meticulous intricacy of the composition from the light-diffusing “sails” by glass artist James Carpenter floating high above the floor to the “San Francisco International” logo in custom fritted-glass framed by slotted metal panels. For Bill, the experience was an intensive period of education in the pursuit of architectural excellence. Hansell Design still employs the many lessons learned on that iconic public project in our designs today.