As part of the sweeping redevelopment of San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1, ETS delivered a trio of PTFE fabric canopies that offer shelter and visual impact to the new traveler experience. Spanning over 60,000 square feet, the scope includes two soaring pavilion canopies, a connecting EDR Canopy, and a unique Dining Terrace Canopy perched inside the terminal.

Rising 44 feet above the elevated departure roadway, the pavilion canopies frame the terminal’s front door. Each canopy is clad in a Teflon-coated PTFE membrane, supported by a custom-designed steel structure, and stabilized with stainless steel cables. Flying rings were used to achieve conical tension, creating a taut, sculptural surface while maintaining structural integrity. This iconic tensile form draws inspiration from ETS’s Terminal 2 canopies, completed a decade earlier.

The ETS team was engaged in a design/build capacity, responsible for the complete package, from engineering and detailing through fabrication and installation. A critical design challenge emerged early: the canopy footings had to integrate with a pre-designed and partially built elevated bridge. Collaborating closely with the general contractor, structural engineer, and airport authority, ETS achieved a substantial reduction in reaction forces, eliminating the need for costly bridge retrofitting. This engineering success helped maintain the project’s pace and budget.

Fabrication and installation were executed with precision, including global sourcing, just-in-time deliveries, and a swing-shift installation strategy that minimized disruption. In total, ETS installed 32 PTFE panels across the three canopy zones: 19 Smart Curb Canopy panels, 12 EDR panels, and the singular Dining Terrace panel.

ETS’s canopies at San Diego International Airport Terminal 1 elevate the passenger experience while addressing the complex logistical, structural, and environmental demands of a high-traffic transit hub. With elegant form, durable materials, and seamless integration into a dynamic construction environment, the project reflects ETS’s ability to deliver iconic, high-performance structures that enhance the modern travel experience.