Client: Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority

Overview

The Concourse A Expansion at Gerald R Ford International Airport showcases the journey across West Michigan via vibrant works of regionally based artists. Travelers ascend above Lake Michigan, feel the dunes’ sand, navigate through forests, and reach the lively city of Grand Rapids. Each segment of this journey is uniquely represented through terrazzo tiles, suspended sculptures, and murals created by West Michigan artists. The artworks are harmoniously integrated with architectural features to enrich the visual experience. Passengers arriving or departing through the Gerald R Ford International Airport witness the true essence of West Michigan, as envisioned by our cherished visual artists. The project beautifully blends art and travel, offering a memorable cultural immersion.

Community

Goals

The primary goal was to create a meticulously designed space that seamlessly integrates opportunities to showcase the exceptional artistic talent of West Michigan. The integration of commissioned artwork was fundamental to the overall design, as it aimed to enrich the visitor experience through a cohesive thematic journey. Nine artists were carefully selected to produce permanent artworks that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the airport but also celebrate and reflect the cultural vibrancy of the region. This intentional integration ensured that the artworks complemented and elevated the architectural environment, making art an essential and harmonious element of the airport's identity.

Process

In 2021, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) established the Art Committee in response to the growing enthusiasm and interest in public art from the Grand Rapids community. This initiative aimed to seamlessly integrate more art into the airport's environment, necessitating the expertise of arts professionals to guide the acquisition and commissioning processes.
For the Concourse A Expansion, GRR collaborated closely with the renowned architectural firm HKS to develop the concept and interior design of the space. To ensure the successful execution of this vision, an Art Project Manager was appointed to oversee the project's development and the commissioning of artists.
Following the design phase, Christman Construction was engaged to construct the walls and ceilings, creating optimal spaces for showcasing the artwork. Central Tile & Terrazzo played a crucial role in this endeavor, with their team working alongside four talented artists to develop and install four large-scale art pieces.
The expanded concourse was unveiled to the public in June 2023, highlighting the significance of public art at GRR. This project exemplifies the airport's commitment to placing public art at the forefront of each new expansion initiative, enhancing the travel experience for visitors.

Additional Information

Terrazzo Artists : Water : George Eberhardt III Dunes : Maureen Nollette Forest : Michael Pfleghaar City : Kim Nguyen Suspended Art : Facets (Dunes, Forest, City) : Jeffrey Augustine Songco Murals : Water : Jimmy Cobb Dunes : Maddison Chaffer Forest : Jill Eggers City : Devin Dumond