b'72 YEGARTSCAPESArchitecture as ArtPlenty of airports display paintings, sculptures and multi- The adjunct building houses a variety of key airport spaces. media exhibits. Edmonton International Airport (YEG) inTheres an integrated baggage area on the arrivals level, Alberta decided to go bigger and bolder by making itsshopping and dining concessions on the departures level, a air traffic control tower a piece of artwork in and of itself.pedestrian walkway above the central retail hall, multiple levels Standing 48 meters tall, the head-turning structure includesof airport administration offices, and a public observation deck a horizontal eight-story office/terminal building covered inon the mezzanine level. distinctive steel ribbons. The undulating exterior accents wereThe combination control tower and terminal building was inspired by the regions picturesque prairiesspecifically, talldesigned by the Edmonton architectural firm DIALOG in grasses sculpted by prevailing west winds in summer andpartnership with EllisDon of London, Ontario. Airport leaders snowdrifts that form during winter. A strong sense of place is alsodirected the design team to create a unique facility that would evident inside the building, with patchwork carpeting and ceilingstand out and become an icon for YEG and the region. The patterns that mimic prairie farmland as viewed from the air.result, a key achievement of the airports 2012 expansion The airside edge of the tower roof slopes downward toprogram, leaves a memorable impression on visitors and is maximize views for air traffic controllers inside the NAV Canadaunlike any other tower in the industry. facility that is perched atop the 130,000-square-foot facility. October2023AirportImprovement.com'