NTMA Awards:
Kansas City International Airport Consolidated Rental Car-Customer Service Building
Job of the Year 2008
Architect: Bucher Willis Ratliff Corporation Kansas City, Missouri
Terrazzo Contractor: Desco Coatings, Inc. Corradini Corp.
Contemporary finishes, not just cars, await travelers using Kansas Citys new consolidated rental car facility. Multi-colored mosaic tiles are arranged to create water movement outside the underground garage entry. Once inside, visitors enter a building full of light and flowing terrazzo design. Ride up the escalator and one is transfixed by the torrent of rushing water streaming down 39 hand-precast steps to the level below. In the upper level atrium, travelers are immersed in natural light that plays brilliantly off the eleven-color terrazzo floor. Travelers are walking on artwork Design Architect Edward Baulkin of Coover-Clark calls Convergence. The historic junction of the Kaw and Missouri Rivers was the inspiration for this creative 42,000 square foot installation. The artist wanted the landing to depict the slowing and spreading of water. The overall effect is one of a continuous stream. Using shop drawings of the river laid out on a grid, terrazzo artisans meticulously drew out the floor for review and architect approval. Lead Design Architect Edward Baulkin says, Terrazzo has a sophistication this job demanded. The overall style and significance could not have been realized th
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