ARLINGTON, Va., - More sustainable air traffic control towers are coming to a handful of airports across the U.S., Axios is first to report, Alex Fitzpatrick writes. Continue reading original article.
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25 April 2023 - The design by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) of New York meets key sustainability requirements and can adjust the tower height to meet each airport’s traffic and sightline requirements, while also reducing construction and operational costs.
The design incorporates key sustainability elements, including: All-electric building systems Materials and products free from chemicals known to pose health risks Thermally efficient façade High-recycled steel and metal products Renewable mass timber when usable Ground-source heating and cooling in some environments.
The FAA’s preferences included that the design have standardized elements to reduce construction and operational costs while allowing for the building to be tailored to local climate and location issues such as very high and very low temperatures, wet and dry environments, and high winds.
The initial set of 31 control towers at candidate airports would replace towers that are functioning beyond their intended design life. The towers will range in height from 60 to 119 feet. The FAA has set aside more than $500 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support site evaluation, preparation, and early construction activities.
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Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics