Orlando Int’l Airport
Spanning one of the world’s most active transportation hubs in all of Florida, Birdair’s fabric canopies at the Orlando International Airport redefine what engineered architecture can achieve.
Fabric Type: PTFE Fiberglass
Market Sector: Transportation
Project Size: 200,000 sq.ft.
Architect: HKS Architects / HOK Aviation / The Haskell Company
Engineer: FTL Happold / Walter P. Moore
Owner: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
General Contractor: Martin K. Eby Construction, Inc.
Completion Date: May 4, 2001
At Orlando International Airport, Birdair designed and built more than 200,000 square feet of PTFE fabric curbside canopies serving the arrivals and departures of Terminals A and B. Completed in 2001, these white, translucent structures span expansive public zones with minimal structural intrusion, creating open, legible spaces below. The PTFE-coated fiberglass membrane is tensioned into precise parallel arch geometries that balance structural efficiency with fluid architectural form—delivering durability, wind resistance, and long-term performance in Florida’s demanding climate.
Architecturally, the canopies shape the passenger experience from the moment of arrival. Their translucent surfaces diffuse daylight, reduce heat gain, and create a bright, comfortable environment while expressing a sense of motion and lightness overhead. More than shelter, these canopies define the airport’s visual identity—transforming advanced engineering into a landmark arrival experience and demonstrating how tensile architecture can elevate large-scale transportation design.
