A curved and luminous façade adorns San Diego International Airport’s latest addition, a $3.8 billion terminal (Terminal 1) that opened on Sept. 23, 2025. Terminal 1’s renovation improves efficiency, accessibility and comfort as it replaces the original 58-year-old relic of the past.
While many of the newest additions are located within the terminal, the most prominent feature is the terminal’s glass façade. San Diego International Airport officials say the façade, called “The Luminous Wave Wall (LWW),” features 537 curved, fritted glass panels that allow light to illuminate the ticketing and baggage claim halls while reducing heat and glare.
Justin Tien, a senior associate (technical director) at Gensler, says the façade was the byproduct of intense collaboration between Gensler and multiple companies, including a Turner Flatiron joint venture, the contractor; James Carpenter, the artist; Walter P Moore and Starq Design Inc., façade consultants; Enclos, the LWW installer; NorthGlass, the LWW glass supplier; Long Glazing, the baggage claim installer; and Interpane, the baggage claim glazing supplier.