The Pier D expansion increased the International Terminal’s footprint by more than 260,000 square feet and added eight new gates to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft, like the A-380, which has wingspans of 260 feet. The increased aircraft capacity also increases passenger capacity, resulting in higher volumes of travellers passing through the terminal.
The primary challenge of this project was to expand and improve the services in the International Terminal, elevate the passenger experience, and, most importantly, stay aligned with the airport’s sustainability goals. Skytrax has named YVR the Best Airport in North America 14 times over the past 17 years, with the most recent acknowledgments in 2021 and 2024.
Elevated passenger experience
The updated terminal features a new open-air atrium inspired by the water and forests of the Gulf Islands and provides access to an outdoor space. Additionally, the terminal includes immersive digital art installations, a multi-faith prayer room, dedicated yoga and quiet rooms, and exceptional shopping and dining options. A public lounge contains comfortable seating, recliners, and power stations. The lighting design in the holding areas features linear fixtures arranged to resemble a log jam, an early means of transporting logs in British Columbia. Curved cove ceiling lighting was designed to mimic moving water, and slot lighting in corridor walls and ceilings represents coastal First Nations longhouses. The artistic and architectural elements of the terminal speak to the natural beauty of British Columbia by incorporating themes related to land, sea, sky, and Indigenous culture.
Sustainability in the forefront
To achieve the net-zero emissions target by 2030, the expansion of the new International Terminal was designed and constructed with a strong focus on sustainability and operational efficiency, aiming to significantly reduce the airport’s environmental impact.
“Suspended LED lights represent the log jam in the Fraser River during the early logging era, while the centre feature ceiling, with kelp-in-water graphics illuminated by LED lights, expresses flowing water.”
– Michael Graham, Principal and Senior Lighting Designer at WSP
The expansion includes 30 charging stations for electric ground support equipment and eight for electric buses. Solar hot water panels provide hot water throughout the terminal. A heat recovery system circulates air, reducing the heating and cooling demands while maximizing energy efficiency and lowering carbon emissions.
WSP’s LED lighting systems cut light power density by 20% to 30% compared to previous systems. The electrical design features metering systems connected to the building management system to help the Vancouver Airport Authority monitor power usage effectively in Terminal D.
Upgraded electrical and security systems
The WSP team successfully completed this project with limited site access due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The project also required extensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders. To facilitate this, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Revit CAD software were used for the project design, allowing the team to collaboratively design and build within a single 3D model.
WSP designed the access control and video surveillance system following the rigorous standards set by YVR and successfully integrated it with the existing airport security framework. The team collaborated closely with the airport security department to facilitate seamless security system integration.
The electrical design incorporates advanced safety features and presents a comprehensive strategy to minimize disruptions to current and future operations. The communication system design employs the latest Cat6A connections and includes backbone cabling, structured cabling, a PA system and a WAP system, supporting YVR’s ongoing efforts toward enhanced digitization.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Client: Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning
Project Value: $300 Million
