Siemens Takes Flight With LaGuardia Project

By Keith Loria

LaGuardia International Airport Rendering

Siemens has been hired to work with the Skanska Walsh joint venture, to deploy a Siemens Intelligent Infrastructure Solution in the new central terminal complex at LaGuardia International Airport.

“Through its Building Technologies Division, Siemens is providing smart building technology, including an integrated building automation system and a fire/life safety system in the new central terminal complex at LaGuardia International Airport,” Dave Hopping, Siemens’ president, North American-based building technologies division, told Commercial Property Executive. “Integration is enabling facility executives to reap smart building benefits, both in new construction and also by gradually transforming existing buildings into smart buildings.”

In the case of LaGuardia, the company is using Siemens’ Desigo CC integrated building management system—a smart, open platform that connects disparate building systems within the airport, such as HVAC, fire, energy metering, security, and lighting. This will allow for dynamic command, control, and communication with the facility’s various building systems, for real-time reaction to meet the changing needs of the terminal’s operations.

“The Desigo Fire XLS-V fire alarm panel with voice capability will be at the heart of the airport’s fire alarm system,” Hopping said. “If a fire is detected, the panel’s command-and-control station is instantly alerted and engages emergency control operations, such as fire door closure, elevator capture, and air handler shut-off. Prerecorded messages within the voice system can tell building occupants which immediate actions to take. The panel also provides first responders with critical information and the ability to communicate directly to building occupants.”

Broad Endeavor 

New York’s LaGuardia Airport Central Terminal B project is a large undertaking, with Skanska, along with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, taking part in the $4 billion project. The work includes a new 35-gate Terminal B, Central Hall, West Garage, related roadways and infrastructure.

The plan outlines a “design that reflects the recommendations from the Governor’s Airport Advisory Panel, including the new light-filled Central Entry Hall, which will connect Terminals B and C and unify the airport for the first time. By moving the terminal closer to the Grand Central Parkway, it will increase airport taxiways and reduce airport ground delays. In addition to the new terminal and Central Hall, LaGuardia Gateway Partners will also construct new roads, utilities, runway improvements, a new West Parking Garage and other supporting infrastructure.” The new terminal will be more efficient and safer than its predecessor, which was originally constructed in 1964.

“We spend more than 90 percent of our time in buildings. Knowing this, the Siemens Building Technologies Division believes in helping to create the perfect places for our customers to live, work, and go about their daily lives,” Hopping said. “That includes making sure they’re comfortable and safe in commercial buildings, institutions, retail settings, and similar facilities.”

Experience Matters

Siemens has worked with airports across the U.S. on a variety of projects from building systems to decentralized energy systems and power distribution.

In addition, its Building Technologies team has worked with a variety of clients in multiple vertical markets across the U.S. These include multi-tenant office buildings, universities, K-12 schools, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

“We have also worked with data centers, retail settings, laboratories, and local/state/federal government,” Hopping said. “While every client has particular needs and challenges, they all have the same goal: to create the perfect place for its occupants and visitors.”

Image courtesy of Siemens