César Pelli designed the Reagan National Airport just south of Washington, D.C. in Arlington County, Virginia. Originally named the Washington Aiport, it opened in 1941. Pelli’s $450 million expansion opened in 1997.
With all the political uproar and ruling of unconstitutional actions from the courts in the airports history, Pelli sought for an inspiring and gothic feeling in the terminal. The industrial city in manifest in the colored steel of the vaultings with light streaming in through 65ft windows and skywells. He calls the design uplifting, optimistic, and cheerful. The airport also received $5.5 million of arts, etched-glass windows, murals, and floor medallions.
(Elvert Barnes – flickr/creative commons license)
(Arlington County– flickr/creative commons license)
(Ken Lund– flickr/creative commons license)
(Ken Lund– flickr/creative commons license)
(takomabibelot– flickr/creative commons license)
(stevebott– flickr/creative commons license)
(stevebott– flickr/creative commons license)
