DULLES AIRPORT

Dulles, VA

This 1962 air terminal was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, who died just as construction started. The terminal is known for its soaring roof profile, a metaphor for flight. Saarinen also designed the St. Lewis Gateway Arch in the same year, another dramatic metaphor. The Dulles terminal was designed without any concourse gates, so all aircraft were parked remotely. Passengers were bussed to and from their aircraft on special vehicles that raised-up to the aircraft’s access level. The buses were replaced in 1985 with underground trams, connecting to remote concourses. In 1990, additions to each end of the terminal doubled the building's length, 1,240 feet, nearly a quarter mile. There are 32 massive concrete columns on each side of the building, supporting the concrete shell roof. The glazing in each panel is 60’ high by 36’ wide, and curved – another marvel of technology at the time. 

The airport was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and was named after past Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. The cost of construction then, at $110 million, would not cover the cost of two escalators today. Kennedy called the new airport “a symbol of the future”.

Finding a view-point for a building of this size and shape is always a challenge. This sketch was done from the roof of a 5-story garage to the west, on an overcast, cool July morning. We were in the area for the Virginia State Dance Competition. Won all my singles and three multi’s. A good day for a rising senior.