Martha's Vineyard Airport Terminal
West Tisbury, Mass.
TAMS Architecture

A modestly-sized airline terminal makes a strong statement

© Peter Lewitt

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The changing characteristics of airport design are in response to significant trends affecting the industry. Increased competitiveness makes functionality, operational efficiencies, and heightened passenger conveniences imperative. Much activity and development is focused at the regional and commuter airports, which relieve the burdened major airports. So too, there is an increased emphasis on security, evolving technologies, safety, and regulatory requirements. The new Martha’s Vineyard Airport Terminal responds to all these variables, while also providing appealing areas for the common rituals of air travel.

The 17,500-square-foot facility provides a spacious ticketing hall, departures hall, arrivals hall, outdoor waiting areas, restaurant, airline operations, offices, and support spaces. By Martha’s Vineyard standards, the terminal is a significant building—one of the largest on the island. Reference to local wood building traditions and to the aesthetics of early airplane construction are combined to create a lively spatial experience that fits comfortably with the landscape and image of the island.

The primary form of the building is that of a simple hall with secondary appendages that extend into the landscape in the form of canopies and planting. The selection of natural materials reinforces continuity with local design traditions. The building is clad in finish cedar shingles and painted trim. Wood trellises and bosques are positioned to welcome arrivals and to provide pleasant outdoor seating areas with airside views.

The signature image of the building is the main ticketing hall, which is covered by an authentic, tectonically expressive wood and steel bow string truss and natural wood plank ceiling. The truss is configured with continuous clerestory windows along the entire length of the space, allowing sunlight to brighten and animate the interiors.

Formal name of Project:
Martha's Vineyard Airport Terminal

Location:
West Tisbury, Mass.

Gross square footage:
17,500 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$12 million

Owner:
Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission

Architect:
TAMS Architecture
38 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 482-4835
FAX: (617) 482-0642