Image 09_Diagram showing existing site geometries of the pier. The use of a curved bridge allowed for a smooth transition to an orientation of the runway that correlates to wind patterns of the region. The curve of the terminal continues just past north-south to point toward the isle of Cuba.
A café overlooking the plaza caps the pier. Architecture acts as a stage, a setting for occasions. The café serves the everyday experience, for the morning espresso or the evening drink. Situated on the elevated portion of the promenade, one side provides counter service, and the other side opens to an enclosed dining space, providing a moment of rest where one could sit and watch the plaza below or look out to the sea beyond. The plaza is a setting for occasions—festivals and concerts—both planned and spontaneous, where anything from a formal quinceañera or an impromptu musical performance can take place. A ramp wraps around the edge of the plaza, leading people up to the level of the café and the start of the bridge leading out to the terminal. (Image 08) A softly curving bridge stretches across the sea. One’s eyes could follow its sweeping arc as it leaves the pier and connects to the terminal in the distance. The curve not only mediates the angle of the existing pier to a more appropriate north-south orientation for the airport runway, but its position acts to encapsulate views to the east and west, sunrise and sunset. (Image 09) Built as an inhabitable truss, the trolley line runs beneath the pedestrian walkway. Bright canvas overhead and vine-covered metal work shade portions of the walkway for those who choose to travel by foot out to the terminal. (Image 10) 18