The new terminal at Portland International Airport presented a unique challenge for our technology design team: how to preserve the beauty and openness of the mass timber roof design while seamlessly integrating technology. Working alongside the wider design team, PAE helped develop an innovative solution—tech poles that maintain the open-concept architecture without compromising on functionality.

“The biggest challenge was the lack of walls or ceilings to mount equipment,” explains Ryan Lalum, Senior Associate at PAE. “The open design of the terminal was intended to mimic the outdoors, with no traditional infrastructure to conceal speakers. This required us to develop an innovative solution: the Integrated Technology Poles.”

It’s exciting to see great design and engineering come together to create spaces that are both innovative and inspiring. Thanks to the collaboration of all our partners: Port of Portland, ZGF Architects, Hoffman-Skanska JV, OEG, Inc., ISG, Arup, and Renkus-Heinz, Inc.