CLE Connector Building
CLE - Terminal Modernization Development Program
Cleveland, OH
Corgan
The proposed Cleveland Airport Terminal presents a bold architectural statement that captures the spirit of the city and its natural surroundings. Its most distinctive feature is a sweeping roofline inspired by the waves of Lake Erie, undulating gently across the terminal’s span. This gesture is more than symbolic—it establishes a visual connection between the airport and the lakefront that has long defined Cleveland’s geography and identity.
Echoing the city’s industrial heritage, the roof design integrates sawtooth truss clerestories, a form historically used in the factories and rail depots that powered Cleveland’s rise. These clerestories not only celebrate local architectural DNA but also serve a sustainable function, admitting diffuse natural light deep into the terminal interior and reducing energy consumption.
The fusion of the wave form and sawtooth geometry gives the terminal a unique profile—at once fluid and structured, modern and rooted in place. Inside, the interplay of daylight and shadow animates the passenger journey, while exposed steel trusses and timber accents evoke craftsmanship and material honesty.
The terminal’s layout complements the expressive roof, organizing circulation along clear linear paths and optimizing views to airside and landside landscapes. As travelers move through the building, the rhythm of the roof overhead—rising and falling in a gentle cadence—creates a calming, intuitive flow.
