New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans, La.

by Jonathan McGaha | December 18, 2011 12:00 am

Nestled in the heart of the hot New Orleans climate, the newest wing of the New Orleans International Airport needed to be comfortable for travelers coming through the seven gates located in the terminal. The structure that replaced the former Terminal D consists of glass, concrete and exposed metal beams. As a result, the space grew uncomfortable due to humidity and high temperatures. The MCC Group, Metairie, La., served as the mechanical engineer on the project. Included in the building are seven 12-foot diameter Element fans from Lexington, Ky.-based Big Ass Fans Co.

The fans’ cooling effect can make travelers feel 8 to 10 degrees cooler while running the fans at low speed in the winter transfers warm air trapped at the ceiling down to the occupant level thus preventing heat loss. Besides the warming and cooling effects of the fans, the product also fits the space, as David Hawkins, an engineer with The MCC Group, explains, “The way the architect designed the space, it’s an ideal situation for these fans because of the airport motif and the way the tips are designed, with a kind of propeller look.”

Big Ass Fans Co.
www.bigassfans.com[1]

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/projects/new-orleans-international-airport-new-orleans-la/

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