RDU Airport, NC – Curtis Fentress, the architect behind Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s Terminal 2, will receive the American Institute of Architects’ Thomas Jefferson Award at the group’s 2010 national convention. The prestigious honor is the organization’s highest award for public architecture.

Fentress, a native of Burlington, N.C., led the design of RDU’s first new terminal in 20 years. When tasked with the design of the building, he set out to enhance the passenger experience, while creating a memorable gateway to the Research Triangle Region.

Designed around the themes handmade and mind made, Terminal 2 reflects the region’s rich history of crafts, industry and technology. The roof’s abstract rolling landscape and dynamic curbside canopies weave together materials, patterns, artwork, light and shadow to welcome passengers.

Key design elements include column-free, open spaces to guide passengers easily through the building, while an extensive glass curtain wall allows natural light to wash over interior finishes and provides panoramic views of the outdoors.

The themes handmade and mind made can be seen in design elements ranging from the building’s roof design to wooden roof trusses that give the space a sense of scale and rhythm. Other elements include carpet patterns of abstract DNA sequences and floor and wall tiles that work together much like the pieces of a handmade quilt.

In addition to his work with RDU, Fentress has also designed Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea and Denver International Airport, as well as terminals in Seattle, San Jose and Sacramento. Phase one of Terminal 2 opened on Oct. 26, 2008. Immediately following the opening, crews began construction on phase two, which is set to be completed early next year.

For more information on Fentress Architects, please visit www.fentressarchitects.com.

###