10
TERMINALS  
November | December 2026      AirportImprovement.com
BUR
A series of in-depth public charrettes was held to gather input 
from airport stakeholders and residents of Burbank, Glendale, 
Pasadena and Los Angeles. The airport promoted the events 
through advertisements, mailers and flyers to ensure good 
representation from surrounding communities. As hoped, the 
charrettes provided valuable guidance. Topping the list of priorities 
for the community was maintaining ease of travel, including 
ground-loading. In short, BUR has a reputation for convenience, 
and locals wanted to preserve and elevate it. “That became the 
foundation for the planning,” Hatanaka says.
When the substantial project commenced, it progressed 
relatively quickly with an aggressive schedule. Land grading 
started in December 2023, construction began January 2024, and 
the new terminal premiered Oct. 13, 2026.
Iconic Look, Elevated Function
Relishing the advantages of a greenfield project, the project 
team analyzed campus-wide capacity and operational needs to 
create a new terminal that meets current demand and allows for 
future growth. It also focused on following cues from the airport, 
stakeholders and the general public. 
“They wanted to retain the feel of 
Hollywood Burbank Airport, but wanted it to 
be a 21st century, digital airport experience,” 
says Roger Johnson, capital programs 
executive with project manager Jacobs. 
As part of the Holder, Pankow, TEC design-
build team, the architectural team of Corgan 
in association with CannonDesign presented 
three design concepts for consideration: The 
Paseo, influenced by the communities surrounding the airport; 
The Century, influenced by Southern California’s mid-century 
architecture; and the Icon, influenced by Old Hollywood. Based on 
stakeholder feedback and a public survey, The Icon was selected. 
Recognizing the prominence of the film industry, project 
designers drew inspiration from the glitz and glamour of 
Hollywood. Approaching from the roadway, travelers see a 
wraparound, cantilevered roofline that continues to form a canopy 
over the entrances of the new terminal, curving down the front 
of the parking structure becoming the “silver screen.” The metal 
canopy serves both form and function, creating a “red-carpet” 
arrival while also providing shade and cover for guests. Slim 
V-shaped structural columns recall the spotlights used at Old 
Hollywood movie premieres. 
A glimmering metal panel from the “silver screen” to the 
underside of the canopy carries into the double-height lobby, with 
bronze and champagne tones for additional Hollywood vibes. All 
of the custom ceilings and walls are from Arktura, an Armstrong 
brand. From a distance, the sweeping exterior ceiling brings to 
mind the silhouette of Marilyn Monroe’s memorable flowing white 
dress. Up close, perforations of varying sizes give the metal wall 
and ceiling surfaces a star-like shimmer.
Executing the continuous metal veil was a creative and 
engineering challenge. “Designing and executing the vision across 
double-curved geometry and multiple, differing structures, and 
from exterior to interior, was highly complex,” says Aaron Robin, 
Arktura’s construction services manager. “We were excited to take 
on the challenge and make it happen.”
Wall and ceiling panels carry the design through the entrance, 
across the lobby and into the gate areas. Carpet was used in 
The double-height lobby 
includes 43 staffed check-in 
stations and 36 kiosks. 
ROGER JOHNSON

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