Fresh architectural renderings and details of an ambitious public art program have been released for the massive New Terminal One project at JFK International Airport in Jamaica, Queens. The 2.6-million-square-foot facility, designed by AECOM Tishman and Gensler and developed by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, represents a $9.5 billion investment as the centerpiece of a broader $19 billion modernization effort for the 77-year-old airport located along Jamaica Bay at the southern end of the Van Wyck Expressway.
Construction began in September 2022 directly east of the existing Terminal 1 structure, making it the largest component of JFK International Airport's comprehensive makeover. The facility is scheduled to open in phases, with the terminal headhouse and the first 14 of 23 total gates set to begin operations next year. The complete terminal will eventually accommodate all 23 gates upon full completion.
The newly released renderings showcase the terminal's distinctive Y-shaped footprint and expansive central structure, highlighted by a raised, hourglass-shaped skylight positioned above a photovoltaic-paneled roof. An impressive glass canopy will shelter the vehicular drop-off and pick-up areas, while three connecting bridges will link this plaza directly to the main terminal building.
The interior design emphasizes bright, open spaces featuring soaring ceilings supported by elegant wishbone columns, creating a sense of grandeur for travelers. The architectural plans reveal strategic placement locations for digital art installations that will be integrated throughout the terminal's walls, enhancing the passenger experience with visual displays.
The comprehensive public art program, led by Arup in collaboration with several distinguished organizations and artists, aims to showcase New York City as an iconic global destination while positioning JFK Airport as its world-class gateway. The initiative will feature works from seven prominent artists using various media to create both physical and digital displays throughout the terminal.
Notable artistic installations include Yinka Shonibare's "Kites for Queens," featuring nine meticulously hand-painted Dutch wax batik kites, and Kelly Akashi's "Migrations of Flora," an impressive 18-foot-tall sculpture depicting native flowers emerging from a bronze hand. Woody De Othello will contribute "The City That Never Sleeps," which will creatively place objects such as watches, pay phones, and street lamps atop the terminal's baggage carousels.
Additional artistic elements include a series of short films titled "Love Letters to New York" that will be displayed in each gate's hold room, providing passengers with engaging content while they wait. Pentagram, an Arup collaborator, is designing "Leaving New York," an innovative installation featuring digital displays spanning the walls above the security queue, complete with an accompanying audio component to create an immersive experience.
Other contributing organizations to the art program include Gentilhomme, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, Culture Corps, Karlssonwilker, and We Should Do It All, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the collaborative effort.
The New Terminal One will incorporate cutting-edge sustainability features, including solar power systems, advanced hot water recovery technology, and innovative fluid recovery systems. The airport will also deploy a complete fleet of electric-powered ground service vehicles, including environmentally friendly baggage tractors and belt loaders, demonstrating a commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
The terminal is expected to reach full operational capacity by 2030, serving an impressive annual capacity of 23 million passengers and significantly enhancing JFK Airport's ability to handle increasing international and domestic travel demands.
