San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport Visit 11/28/17

The visit to the Airport was really enjoyable. Our tour guide, Sharon Gonzales, is a graphic designer for the Airport and she did a great job. I was surprised at the amount of art throughout the Airport both inside and outside (2% of airport expenditures are required to be spent on public art) and the beauty of the terminals. I am always in such a rush when I go to the Airport, focused on getting to my departure gate that I was truly amazed at all that I miss seeing when I am there.

The Arts Program includes public art, performing arts, and temporary exhibitions. Each year the Program identifies an exhibition theme relevant to the Airport and invites interested exhibitors to submit proposals, which results in up to 15 different artists presenting their work. The current exhibition, Intergalactic Dreaming, explores space travel and exploration.

Some quick facts to share:
  • There are over 7,000 employees who work at the airport, which includes airline personnel, TSA workers, cargo operators and concessionaires
  • It is home to the first LEED-Platinum Certified terminal, which promotes energy and resource efficiency
  • The USO Neil Ash Airport Center is the largest in the world, providing 10,000 sq. ft. of lounge area and 7,000 sq. ft. of outdoor patio area for military members and their families
  • Approximately 35% of all vehicles used at the airport are powered by electricity

The tour of the runway, adjacent buildings, and infrastructure was super fun. We passed by the EMAS (Engineered Material Arresting System), a structural bed designed to slow or stop aircraft from over-running the runway. It cost over seven million dollars to build, but every penny was worth it to help save lives.We also saw the fire trucks and target areas where water is sprayed to penetrate the walls of aircraft if need be to fight a fire and the home of  Least Terns, endangered seabirds who nest alongside the runway.

The website for the Airport is very informative and worth visiting. You can find out about shopping, dining, transportation and parking options, as well as travel services, and facilities information. It has an interactive map to help you navigate the website. Visit the link below for more details.
 
http://www.san.org/Airport-Projects/Environmental-Affairs




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