The Vision
The Terminal Modernization Program set out to position Pittsburgh International Airport as an innovator in air travel while strengthening its connection to the community. As a focal point of the $1.7‑billion transformation, the ceiling was designed to do more than define space—it was meant to tell a story.
Inspired by Pittsburgh’s rolling hills and rich industrial heritage, the ceiling creates a sense of serenity, movement, and natural fluidity that guides passengers seamlessly through the terminal. From exterior to interior, it delivers a warm first impression while immersing travelers in the essence of a region on the rise.
The Challenge
The ceiling at Pittsburgh International Airport was designed to capture the spirit of the region in a single, immersive space—honoring its industrial heritage while reflecting the beauty of its rolling hills, forests, and star‑filled skies. The architectural vision by luis vidal + architects called for a dramatic double‑height ceiling that conveyed movement and precision, while functioning as a key wayfinding and acoustic element in a vast, high‑traffic terminal.
To meet performance demands, the ceiling system needed to provide full plenum access, guide passenger flow, and deliver strong acoustic control within an expansive space dominated by hard surfaces.
Design & Delivery Solutions
With experience in large‑scale, phased transportation projects, Armstrong World Industries was well prepared to support the evolving scope of the project. Key challenges and solutions included:
- Material adaptation
Late in the design process, natural wood was replaced due to concerns about humidity, longevity, and color consistency over time. Armstrong quickly transitioned to aluminum and steel systems with a real wood-look appearance, preserving the original design intent while meeting performance requirements. - Complex geometry
The ceiling’s “rolling hills” design required extraordinary precision. Hundreds of thousands of panels, 58 unique transition types, and engineered twists and curves were used to create symmetrical undulations in a double‑height space. A custom concealed suspension system accommodated the two‑tier ceiling without attachment to the roof deck. - Seamless interior‑to‑exterior alignment
A continuous visual flow from inside the terminal to the exterior was essential. This demanded meticulous panel alignment through expansive glass walls, ensuring the ceiling’s form appeared uninterrupted from every viewpoint. - Custom manufacturing at scale
The size and complexity of the terminal required unprecedented manufacturing coordination. Highly customized components were produced and delivered in precise sequences to support efficient, section‑by‑section installation.
“Without question, Pittsburgh Airport required more intense coordination between manufacturing, scheduling, and installation than I’ve seen in my 25 years. Plus, the installation team was working with scaffolding that covered only about 20% of the ceiling area at a time. We needed to provide materials for the exact sections they were covering in a 6- to 8-week installation period”
— Jerry Grabusky, Senior Project Manager, Armstrong
The Solution
The finished ceiling is the result of Armstrong’s extensive wood‑look metal portfolio, PROJECTWORKS Design and Pre‑Construction Services, and highly coordinated manufacturing—brought together through an all‑hands‑on‑deck collaboration.
For the interior, the METALWORKS IMMIX Linear Panelized Torsion Spring Ceiling System delivered a wood look in aluminum with full plenum access and the flexibility needed to achieve the complex “rolling hills” geometry. A natural white oak finish referenced western Pennsylvania’s forests, while perforated panels with black acoustical fleece provided excellent sound control. Custom filler strips and a concealed suspension system created a seamless, monolithic appearance.
Interior panels were installed with extreme precision to align perfectly through the terminal’s glass walls with METALWORKS Linear ‑ Classics steel panels on the exterior—ensuring the ceiling’s visual continuity inside and out. Additional solutions, including ARKTURA acoustical felt panels and the SIMPLESOFFIT framing system, supported performance, efficiency, and ease of installation.
“A panelized linear ceiling of this size offering 100% access is something no one had ever done before. Armstrong did a fabulous job laying out the details, they were always available to us before and during the installation process, and everything came together smoothly, even with highly customized pieces and 58 transitions. Armstrong had a real commitment to making this happen, and the result is something we are all proud of.”
— Fred Episcopo, President, Wyatt, Inc.
The Armstrong PROJECTWORKS team played a critical role in translating the architectural vision into a manufacturable and installable reality. Through 3D modeling, collaborative design sessions, and highly detailed shop drawings, the team provided confidence that every twist, transition, and panel would perform as intended—on time and on budget.
“Out of all the services the ProjectWorks team provides, in my opinion the most valuable thing we provide is confidence for the architects and the contractor. We help ensure the architects and contractors have a workable installation before products reach the job site. For Pittsburgh International Airport, picture us giving the installers a paint by numbers project. With such an intricate design we wanted to make sure they knew where every piece needed to go.”
— Dan Holdridge, Senior Manager, PROJECTWORKS, Armstrong
The Result
Despite immense scale and complexity, the project was delivered through close collaboration across design, manufacturing, and installation teams. The completed ceiling mirrors the original renderings with remarkable fidelity—bringing Pittsburgh’s landscape to life in architectural form.
“The resemblance between the final design and the original renderings is truly spectacular. It’s rare to see visuals translate so perfectly into reality, but in this case, the vision came to life almost exactly as imagined. As a Pittsburgh native, it’s incredibly rewarding to experience what became more than just a terminal—it’s a glimpse into our city’s future that is genuinely exciting.”
— Colby Campbell, NCIDQ, Interior Designer, Gensler
“Our vision of Pittsburgh’s rolling hills has been executed in full, and the result is amazing. We thank Armstrong—with a capital ‘T’—for quickly understanding the complexity of the ceiling geometry. When you have the level of teamwork we had across the board, you can achieve anything.”
— Pierluca Roccheggiani, US Design Director, luis vidal + architects
For more information about this project, please contact [email protected]
Project: Terminal Modernization Program | Pittsburgh International Airport (PIA)
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Architects: Gensler + HDR in association with luis vidal + architects
Installing Contractor: Wyatt, Inc.
Products/Services:
METALWORKS Linear ‑ Classics Ceilings