Newark Liberty’s Terminal A Is Finalist for UNESCO’s Prix Versailles Award

On Oct 11, 2023

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A has been nominated for UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles, a prestigious global architecture and design award recognizing the world’s best new airport facilities.

The new 1 million-square-foot Terminal A opened in early 2023, replacing the previous terminal that opened in 1973. The 33-gate facility features airy, light-filled concourses alongside state-of-the-art digital technology, modern passenger amenities, dining and retail options, and a public art program showcasing dozens of local artists. Terminal A has been designed and constructed to the standards of LEED gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Our agency is fully committed to offering our customers a world-class travel experience, and to be nominated among the world’s greatest airports is an honor and a testament to that vision,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Terminal A’s remarkable design combines innovative technology, a multitude of local influences and an impeccable interior, marking the first step in a full reimagining of Newark Liberty.”

“We are proud that the world class quality of Terminal A at Newark Liberty, like LaGuardia before it, is now being recognized by international rating agencies,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We are grateful that with its stunning architecture, public art, and world class technology and amenities, Newark’s Terminal A is being nominated for this prestigious honor. We thank UNESCO for recognizing the new terminal as one of the world’s finest.”

“I am thrilled that Terminal A is getting the proper recognition it deserves with a nomination for the prestigious 2023 Prix Versailles Award,” said Tammy Murphy, the first lady of the state of New Jersey. “The terminal’s unique art installations and modern technology welcomes travelers from across the world, serving as a great first impression highlighting some of the many incredible offerings of our state!”

The Prix Versailles, created in 2015, aims to highlight “intelligent sustainability” as a cultural driver, touching on every aspect of the built environment. Recipients of the award, as cited by UNESCO, are selected for the “qualities of innovation, creativity, reflection of local, natural and cultural heritage, and ecological efficiency, as well as the values of social interaction and participation which the United Nations holds in high regard.” LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B was the recipient of this prestigious award in 2021.

The World Judges Panel will decide final recipients in December in categories including airports, campuses, passenger stations, and sports venues. Among airports, Terminal A is one of six nominees.

The new $2.7 billion Terminal A was delivered as part of a design-build consortium led by Tutor Perini/Parsons JV with Grimshaw as the design architect in partnership with STV as executive architect.

“We are honored to have worked with the PANYNJ and the rest of our team from TPP and STV on the new Terminal A at Newark,” said Mark Husser, a partner at Grimshaw. “Terminal A is redefining the passenger experience at Newark with an enjoyable and spacious environment that is easy to navigate, filled with abundant natural light and establishing a bold new trajectory for the airport’s future.”

Five airlines operate out of Terminal A: Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines.

The facility is the opening chapter of a larger re-imagining of the entire Newark Liberty International Airport. The privately financed Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRac) facility is expected to open later this year. The 2.7 million-square-foot facility will consolidate 10 rental car operations under one roof, allowing for a streamlined, simplified rental process. The terminal’s public parking facility also features the largest rooftop solar panel installation in any U.S. airport along with more than 150 electric vehicle charging stations.

For the remainder of the airport, the Port Authority has selected a world-renowned master planner to design a framework for future development through 2065, to recommend short- and long-term projects to enable economic growth, drive sustainability efforts, and create a world-class gateway for New Jersey and the region. The plan’s development includes extensive community outreach and participation.

The Port Authority has embarked on a complete redevelopment of Newark Liberty International that began with the first phase opening of Terminal A .

The agency’s EWR Vision Plan — which serves as a framework for future development through 2065 – will provide for long-term economic growth, incorporate sustainability projects in every element of the development plan and provide multimodal access to the airport for both work and travel.

Earlier this year, the Port Authority Board of Commissioners also authorized $12 million for the planning and preliminary design of the EWR station access project, which is expected to increase public transit access for the South Ward neighborhood to Newark Liberty International Airport and New York City for the underserved communities in Newark and Elizabeth, including a one-seat ride to New York Penn Station’s Moynihan Train Hall and on Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT’s (NJT) direct Northeast Corridor services. The authorization is for planning and preliminary design work for a new multimodal facility at the AirTrain Newark Rail Link station serving EWR. The project will leverage existing transportation assets, including Amtrak, NJT and AirTrain Newark rail service, in a cost-effective way to improve access, mobility and regional connectivity for the neighboring airport communities of Newark and Elizabeth.

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