Local

Work underway to install new terrazzo floor at Pittsburgh International Airport

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Work is underway to install a new terrazzo floor in the airside terminal center core at Pittsburgh International Airport.
 
"One of the goals of my administration is to promote the cultural heritage and artistic development of Allegheny County with public art thereby enhancing the county's character and identity and contributing to economic development and tourism," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. "Since Pittsburgh International is the region's welcome center to the world, this project will have a positive impact for visitors and residents."
 
"When completed, travelers will encounter a modern floor surface with a rich design that captures the unique heritage of Pittsburgh, highlights our shared experiences and complements airmall's award-winning concessions program, completing a total transformation of the center core," said David Minnotte, ACAA Board Chairman.
 
Including art in the passenger experience at PIT has always been an important goal dating to construction of Greater PIT Airport in 1952 and continuing today. From the original Alexander Calder mobile that floats above the airside center core, to the recent addition of arch on the ticketing level, PIT is committed to promoting the region's arts and heritage.
 
"This floor represents a wonderful addition to PIT's collection and provides a warm welcome and memorable sendoff for passengers," said Renee Piechocki, director, Pittsburgh Office of Public Art.
 
The terrazzo floor represents the first major construction update in the airside terminal in more than 20 years, and follows a $10 million airmall project to transform the center core into a hub for high fashion with new specialty retail shops.
 
Following a request for proposals in 2013, the Allegheny County Airport Authority commissioned artist Clayton Merrell, who has numerous accolades and is an art professor at Carnegie Mellon University, to design the floor.

The central element of Merrell's design, which occupies a space that is approximately 69,000 square feet or 1.5 acres, is a vast blue sky with clouds, contrails and inlaid aircraft. He also designed large silhouettes representing five iconic views of Pittsburgh neighborhoods and recognizable landmarks including Heinz Field and PNC Park, Smithfield Street Bridge and Monongahela Incline, Cathedral of Learning and the historic Carrie Furnace.

"I am certain that all travelers, whether visitors to Pittsburgh or locals, will find something to connect with in the imagery," Merrell said. "I hope that the project will be an invitation to slow down and contemplate the act of flying – to see it from a fresh angle, making it new and surprising again."

WPXI

Most Read