One of the most convenient airports in the nation, Indianapolis International Airport is located less than 15 minutes via interstate highway from downtown Indianapolis. Indianapolis International is served by 11 airlines and offers approximately 39 daily non-stop flights with additional service to more than 100 locations.

Highly competitive airfares, easy access and an enviable no-delay status attract more than 8.5 million passengers each year.

The new $1 billion Indianapolis Airport Terminal building, currently under construction and scheduled to open Nov. 12, will be a high performance gateway for the 21st century. The Indianapolis Airport Authority’s goals for the new Indianapolis Airport demanded that the air-travel gateway for “The Crossroads of America” be modern, efficient and uniquely representative of the history and future of Indiana.

The result is a structure that is shaped to work with the wind and the sun, with full natural illumination. Designed by the internationally renowned firm of Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, the terminal is meant to foster economic growth and make Indianapolis a clearly distinct travel destination. It reflects the economic and cultural history of the Indianapolis area and symbolizes its bright future, while applying newly advanced security considerations.

The heart of the new terminal will be a circular space – reminiscent of downtown’s Monument Circle – that will serve the functions of security, retail and food service. This great room will be a true civic space, with artwork and public events that will breathe the character and diversity of Indianapolis and the region.

The terminal design is dominated by its great, arched roof, which will shelter the glass walls from the sun and collect the sun’s illumination through its skylights. The arching will promote natural cooling by harnessing the airflow over its surfaces and the roof surface will reflect energy, limit heat gain and channel water for collection.

Additional energy conservation will be achieved in other ways, notably by its location. By building the terminal in the “midfield” between the main runways, taxiing will be cut significantly, reducing passengers’ time spent in aircraft, as well as fuel consumption, air pollution and noise.

The new Weir Cook Terminal at the Indianapolis International Airport will open Nov 12.