Photo Credit: Brian McDonald
The Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recently announced the winners of their 2013 Design Competition. Interlink in Warwick, RI earned the Honorable Mention Award in the Built Projects Category.
Interlink is the Northeast’s first Intermodal Transportation Center connecting travelers with trains, buses and rental car transportation. Interlink expands public transportation, fuels economic recovery, offers future development opportunities, and places T.F. Green Airport among New England’s top airports. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation directed the $267 million project. The multi-tiered collaborative effort revitalizes a blighted airport parcel and features a dynamic elevated glass-enclosed Skywalk that rises 35 feet above the ground and spans a quarter-mile. Passengers arriving at T.F.Green Airport enjoy an unimpeded six-minute connection to the train station, rental car facility, and parking garage on moving walkways that transport travelers 100 feet per minute.
The 25,000 square-foot Circulation Hub and Bridge connect the airport to the train station via the new Skywalk. The Terminal End Bridge spans two levels of arriving and departing traffic and creates a new gateway to the airport. Interlink’s exterior references the convergence of air and rail transportation. The interior articulates ocean and air currents. Like wind and waves, horizontal bands of glass vary in color, size, and intensity to evoke a serene environment. Sculptured ceilings and rubber flooring echo motion by undulating in flowing forms throughout Interlink’s expanse. Colors indicative of daybreak and dusk punctuate the ceiling with bold hues. A Vertical butt-glazed curtain wall system provides views of airplanes landing and taking off. The transparent façade mirrors the original terminal making a thematic change from green to blue glazing as it reaches the new rental car garage and train station. The stair tower acts a transition between airplane and train and the Terminal End Bridge’s stair tower recalls RI’s sailing heritage. Interlink’s Green features include sun shades, energy-efficient lighting and recycled steel, aluminum, fly ash concrete, and rubber flooring.