2024 USGBC-CA Green Building Awards
Merit in Health & Wellbeing
Alaska Air Group’s (AAG) newest lounge embodies innovation by promoting health and well-being in the built environment, inspiring the kinetic and visual synergy of sustainable design and construction to shape a new, lively world that empowers travelers, the community, and the greenery of planet earth. The 11,000 sq. ft. build-out within the San Francisco International Airport was for the relocation of the client’s existing lounge, mobilizing from Terminal 2 to Harvey Milk Terminal 1 while, in the process, recreating a whole new atmosphere for the client to deliver a premium experience. Along with AAG’s environmental commitment and equitable growth, the objective was to illustrate four unique visual narratives ideated around the concepts of ‘Come In,’ ‘Take A Breath,’ ‘Cut Loose,’ and ‘Help Yourself’. The team’s inspiration for health and well-being encompassed multiple design and construction strategies to provide users with a unique experience while creating a safe working environment for all stakeholders. Through sustainable innovation, the final product promotes health and well-being by creating a balance of auditory, visual, and thermal senses to enhance the experience for the enjoyment of the building occupants.
Project-specific health and well-being enhancements included a strategic approach for acoustics, low- emitting materials, and an indoor air quality plan to deliver the new lounge with innovation. With 47 million travelers annually, the inherent nature of reimagining the new lounge was to provide guests with an accommodating space within SFO.
The objective was to create a seamless, cohesive visual narrative
diversified around the concepts of ‘Come In,’ ‘Take A Breath,’ ‘Cut Loose,’ and ‘Help Yourself’ with a vibrant reflection of San Francisco to offer a unique experience catered to various necessities. Each section
incorporated unique biophilic designs using low-emitting materials and a project-specific indoor air quality
plan promoting a safe and healthy construction site to deliver a superior environment for building occupants. The first floor, ‘Come In,’ welcomes guests into a calming oasis of peace and tranquility. This entrance disassociates the busy nature of the airport through the utilization of sound-absorbing acoustic ceiling tiles with key features of low-energy lighting, custom metal twists, and custom wood slates, directing visitors to explore the upstairs.
For concentration and productivity, ‘Take a Breath’ provides a peaceful and quiet atmosphere with controls of reverberance and noise build-up. Biophilic designs of nature, lighting, and curves soften the space. ‘Help Yourself’ illustrates a cozy, restful, and colorful ambiance with design acoustics to welcome the light reverberance of casual conversations at comfortable volume. The farthest area from the entrance invites users to ‘Cut Loose’ using community
amenities, including a bar and group seating areas, with careful acoustic considerations.
The SFO Alaska Airlines Lounge T1 Lounge project exemplified exceptional team collaboration for the implementation of health and well-being strategies. This process included the engagement of AAG, WDA, Turner, and Arup, ensuring a diverse exchange of ideas and early identification of challenges through
design, construction, and completion. Key team collaboration to implement strategies included involving all stakeholders from the outset, aligning the team on project goals, and integrating diverse perspectives into the process. WDA engaged Arup as LEED consultant for the green building program, aiming to
promote innovation, health, and well-being. Turner, in alignment with the outline of the scorecard for the
LEED Gold requirements, remained in constant communication with the team regarding materials and
resources, construction activities, air quality assessments, and documentation of EPDs/LEM to provide input on critical decisions, particularly those affecting indoor air quality, material selection, and acoustic design.
Sound control in the open lounge environment was a key challenge, as voices traveled to a distance of 60
feet away. To help address this, WDA designed a 40-foot laser-cut metal acoustic wall of the Golden Gate
Bridge as a central feature between the quiet lounge program and the active bar area. The custom metal
acoustic wall and wood slats evoked movement for design intent. Turner installed the one-of-a-kind mural,
partition framing, millwork, and the acoustical ceiling system.