b'SPECIALNew more inclusive restroom options include 50 MCI SPECIAL REPORT ACCESSIBILITY|INCLUSIVITY all-gender facilities with multiple stalls. REPORTPHOTO: LUCAS BLAIR SIMPSONA Terminal for All BY KRISTEN RINDFLEISCHWhile vacations and other tripsreally leaned into it with our designer SOM may be enjoyable, air travel itself[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill], the primary can sometimes be stressfularchitect, Meyer recalls. Officials even and difficultespecially for passengersasked, What would the terminal look like if with reduced mobility, visual impairment,we really sought to make accessibility the hearing loss, etc. Travelers on the autismNo. 1 priority? spectrum, those with dementia or otherThe Aviation hidden disabilities and members of theDepartment worked LGTBQ community also often encounterclosely with project extra challenges. The new terminal at FACTS&FIGURESKansas City International Airport (MCI) isarchitects and designers to consider Project: Enhancing Accessibility & Inclusivitydesigned to be as accessible and inclusivethe widest possible Location: New Terminal at Kansas City Intl Airport as possiblefor every guest.range of travelers and Construction: 2019Feb. 2023 Why did the Kansasguests. Creating anJORDAN PIERCEKey Components: Air travel simulation; all ADA-compliantCity Missouri Aviationinclusive and accessible terminal meant ticketing counters; universally accessible indoor play area;Department makescrutinizing every aspect of the design, sensory room; meditation/quiet room; multi-user all-genderthis a major focus?explains Jordan Pierce, an associate restrooms; universal changing tables; nursing rooms Because it was theprincipal with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Terminal Developer: Edgemoor Infrastructure & Realright thing to do,We asked ourselves how we could Estate explains Justin Meyer,improve our approach, how we could Prime Architect: Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill deputy director ofexceed standards.JUSTIN MEYERJet Bridges: JBT AviationMarketingThe design team met with thousands Back-Painted Interior Glass: Bendheim and Air Service Development.of Kansas City residents in community Cost for Travel Simulator: $750,000+ (design,It was also an official objectivemeetings to understand their priorities equipment, systems & construction) established by former Kansas City Mayorfor the new terminal. It also met with Audio, Video & Technology for Travel SimulationSly James and the city council. In 2018,various advocacy groups, including Experience: Dimensional Innovationsthey issued a resolution that challenged theparents of children with autism, caregivers Electrical, Drywall, Flooring, Glasswork & Tile WorkAviation Department to build the worldsfor people with dementia, the LGBTQ for Travel Simulation Experience: DI Build most accessible airport terminal, and set aChamber of Commerce and others. Subcontractor Architect: DRAW Architecture $1.5 billion budget for the massive initiative.Through these sessions, we heard a Lighting Design: Lightworks With that, the Aviation Department clearlyvariety of suggestions on how to make the understood that the community wantedterminal more inclusive, accessible and Key Benefit: Making air travel accessible & inclusive forMCIs new terminal to be easy to use. Wewelcoming, says Pierce.more people May | June 2023AirportImprovement.com'