JUNE 10, 2015 - (MELBOURNE, FLORIDA) - BRPH unveiled its vision for Melbourne International Airport (MLB) with vibrant visuals and enthusiasm for its hometown airport. The architectural and engineering firm, renowned for its aviation expertise, developed the preliminary designs in concert with airport staff, and drawing from community input.
“Melbourne International Airport isn’t just being renovated. It’s being reimagined,” said architect Roger Anderson in a recent workshop presentation to the Melbourne Airport Authority (MAA). Anderson, director of design for BRPH, walked MAA members through the multi-phase concept, which would begin this year with the main terminal: a 3-5 year project pending the board's input and budget approval.
MAA Chairman Bill Potter recognized the energy and talents that went into the preliminary designs and applauded airport staff and BRPH for the creativity and thought process it represented.
According to Melbourne International Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan, AAE, the thoughtful design addresses the immediate and long-term needs of MLB's growing leisure passenger and business traveler base, which enhances the airport's position as a domestic and international gateway to Florida. "Our terminal should reflect our unique environment. Residents will truly feel welcomed home, and visitors will immediately feel part of the Florida experience," he said. "International travelers in particular spend several hours in airports and we want them to have the ultimate airport experience."
Design Modernization
MLB and BRPH leadership agreed that the aging terminal is in need of infrastructure updates, technology upgrades, energy efficiencies and design modernization. Most of the rehabilitation will occur within the existing confines of the terminal, which Donovan described as having "strong bones." The integration of technology and showcasing local Space Coast qualities was critical to the process.
Recommended Features
MAA member, Melbourne Mayor Kathy Meehan, said she was impressed with the design concepts, especially enhancing the experience for residents and passengers alike. Florida's wildlife, environment and business casual attitude will be reflected in the proposed interactive displays and native habitat exhibits, providing an educational experience for children and adults.
A visitor observation tower of the airfield and a kinetic flat screen display mount is being considered. Enhanced technology is found throughout the design, including a proposed iPad bar/restaurant with tablets at every seat and a virtual ordering service. A vegetated welcome wall is but one of the recommendations that will pull in the community elements and provide users with a sense of the local 'Casual Florida' culture.
Next Steps
With the Authority's concurrence to move to the next step, airport staff will meet with BRPH to address MAA's input and to develop a preliminary budget and timeline based on that input. Funds for the renovation will be derived from aviation specific funding which do not include ad valorem taxes or any other local tax source. “This is a great start,” said Chairman Potter, “and we’ll continue to keep an eye on the cost benefit ratios as we move forward.”
The current MLB terminal was originally designed by BRPH in 1988. "Our proposed plans will enhance the interior of the airport's main hub, provide an interactive passenger experience, and serve as a connector to the community," said Brian Curtin, president of BRPH. “We appreciated the Authority's enthusiasm for our vision for our hometown airport and look forward to working through this important process together."
ABOUT MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - Melbourne International Airport is located on the Atlantic coast of Central Florida and boasts tenants such as aviation giants Harris Corp., Embraer, Northrop Grumman and Rockwell Collins. About an hour from Orlando, it is the closest airport to Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center/NASA and the surfing capital of Cocoa Beach. Currently served by Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Baer Air and Elite Airways, the facility features three runways, a 200,000 square-foot terminal, a 40,000 sq. ft. fully-outfitted customs facility and is part of FTZ #136. For more information, visit www.MLBair.com.
ABOUT BRPH - BRPH is an architectural and engineering firm with all of its services in-house. More than simply designers, we solve engineering and architectural challenges. Our team has designed projects for a full spectrum of industries — from multi-million dollar launch pads to over a million square foot manufacturing facilities, and everything in between. Think of something so unique, so extraordinary, something never tried anywhere before in the world. This is where BRPH thrives. BRPH.com
