Architect:

Moshe Safdie

Completion:

2004

Description:

In many ways, Terminal 1 is a minimalist, almost austere, building that brings little attention to itself. Nevertheless, its open spaces abound with elegant details. Its wide corridors and high ceilings stand in stark contrast to the old terminal visitors between the United States and Canada used to face as they were herded through a deteriorating maze of cramped corridors and meager facilities. Now, travelers can enjoy the exposed steel structure painted in gleaming white that forms an expansive, curved arch over the ticketing area, a double-height baggage claim area with a playful neon artwork of ever-changing letters of the alphabet, nave-like corridors to the gates (complete with vaulted ceilings, modern-day clerestories and industrial flying buttress supports), and an arced wall of windows onto the tarmac at the overseas gates (not accessible from the U.S. section).

Safdie is also the architect for Terminals 2 and 3.

Images: 

Address:

The airport is located approximately 15 miles west-northwest of downtown Toronto, off of Route 427 North at the Dixon Road exit.

Map/Directions/Info:

View the Toronto Pearson International Airport on a larger map.

Links:

Moshe Safdie and Associates