Hollywood Burbank Airport Passenger Replacement Terminal
Iconic form. Cinematic arrival.
- Client
- Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority
- Location
- California, United States
- Size
- 355,000 square feet
- Status
- Completed
Hollywood Burbank Airport has long been valued for its convenience and distinctly Southern California character, even as its original terminal faced significant operational and regulatory constraints. The new terminal, designed by Corgan and CannonDesign, builds on the airport’s defining strengths while delivering a contemporary passenger experience that balances efficiency, comfort and regional identity. Rather than competing with the scale and intensity of larger international hubs, the design reinforces what travelers value most about Burbank, particularly its human-scaled journey.
The new 14-gate terminal completely replaces the original facility, first constructed in 1930, and is being delivered through a progressive design-build approach, with construction led by the Holder, Pankow, TEC Joint Venture (HPTJV). The terminal opened just three years after the design process began. The accelerated timeline reflects the intense collaboration and efficiencies made possible by the progressive design-build delivery method.
The terminal’s exterior architecture is inspired by the glitz and grandeur of Hollywood’s film heritage.
A sweeping roof canopy arcs across the arrival plaza and gradually integrates into the parking structure façade, creating a sculptural form that evokes a silver screen in a public setting. This fluid roofline, supported by V-shaped columns that recall red-carpet spotlights, provides generous shade and a memorable sense of arrival while expressing the spirit of motion and celebration associated with the region’s entertainment legacy.
At its core, the terminal is conceived as an environment of flow. Circulation, security processing, concessions and waiting areas are integrated into a cohesive spatial sequence rather than treated as isolated functions. This approach enhances operational performance while creating a more relaxed and legible experience for travelers. Clean sightlines, generous daylight and a restrained material palette work together to reduce cognitive load and support effortless navigation.
The design also positions the airport as a distinct choice within a competitive regional landscape. The terminal’s architecture, paired with the clarity and convenience of the passenger experience, establishes a strong identity that differentiates Hollywood Burbank Airport from surrounding alternatives.
From the outset, the progressive design-build team committed to a fully co-located working model, bringing designers, builders, engineers and key stakeholders together in a shared project environment. Rather than operating in traditional silos, the team worked side by side throughout the life of the project, enabling real-time problem solving and a level of collaboration that would be difficult to achieve through conventional workflows.
