Denver International Airport, Passenger Terminal Complex

As envisioned by then Denver Mayor, Frederico Peña, the new Denver airport was to be a structure for the city as memorable as the Sydney Opera House. But a frustrated city saw their vision of an architectural symbol for Denver and a memorable and functional gateway to the West dissolve as time and money slipped away.  

Exasperated city leaders turned to Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, to bring its vision to life. With a deadline of only two weeks to present a new design, Fentress generated a concept that was affordable, faster to build, and flexible enough to accommodate growth well into the future. It also tossed the traditional airport typology out the window and designed something entirely different. The city would finally achieve its dream of a facility unlike any other in the world. 

Like the peaks of the Rocky Mountains that inspired it, the Passenger Terminal Complex at Denver International mimics the snow-capped mountains with multiple roof canopies stretching up to 150 feet, their elegant white coverings reflecting the changing colors of the Colorado sky. As travelers enter the main terminal, they are immediately greeted by its soaring scale, one of the largest tensile membrane structures in the world that creates an unforgettable impression and makes mundane travel into an adventure.  

The energy efficient, white Teflon roof system reflects up to 90 percent of solar heat gain while 10 percent of the sunlight passes through the fabric to fully daylight the space. Clerestories and curtain walls with low-e coating add to the design’s overall daylighting strategy, which is so extensive and energy-efficient that in daylight hours it regularly provides 1,000 foot-candles—full sunlight on the interior—and on cloudy days provides 200 foot-candles, sufficient lighting for comfort and visibility.

One of the most innovative design features of the facility relocates the building’s mechanical infrastructure underground, instead of placing it on the roof as is typical. As a result, the terminal transforms into a light-filled, airy space that feels both modern and welcoming. Furthermore, this strategic decision reduces the need for thousands of pounds of structural steel and other materials, which enhances both sustainability and efficiency. 

In addition, triangular clerestory windows on the east and west sides, combined with expansive glass curtain walls to the north and south, add visual drama. These features are supported by cable trusses, which not only emphasize the tensile nature of the structure but also form elegant overhangs along the roof’s edges. 

Earth-toned peaks of granite direct passengers into the ticketing area and recall the peaks of the mountain-inspired roof. Inside the Great Hall, browns, blues, and greens dot the floor in an abstract pattern reminiscent of an aerial perspective of the eastern Colorado agrarian landscape. The train platform’s narrowing circles of blue draw people into the space, making room for additional passengers. Baggage claim features the same pattern as ticketing, only in reverse, as it channels passengers out to waiting taxis and vans or down a level to the personal vehicle pick-up area.

As one of the world’s largest integrated art programs, DEN is host to 26 permanent sculptures, murals, and installations. These works of art not only enhance the overall aesthetics, they also enhance the airport’s functionality, acoustics, and maintainability. 

To complement the clean and modern aesthetic, clear signage and intuitive circulation system simplify navigation across multiple levels. From the ticketing area, passengers proceed to an elevated walkway that encircles the expansive Great Hall with sweeping views of the terminal’s impressive scale. As a global transportation hub and architectural marvel, Denver International Airport continues to set standards for innovation, sustainability, and passenger experience.