You Can Stand Under My Umbrella: The Analysis and Redesign of Newark Thin Shell Hypar Structures

Abstract

Built-in the 1970s, the architectural-structural trademark of the Newark Airport is the roadside thin-shell, concrete hyperbolic paraboloid umbrellas. The geometric form is capable of spanning large areas with an efficient, economical, and aesthetically pleasing design. However, the current terminal has exceeded its original capacity for passenger flow. As a result, in late 2018, the Port Authority of NY and NJ announced the redevelopment of the airport with the construction of an entirely new terminal. This thesis proposes an alternative more sustainable redesign that addresses the airport’s need for increased capacity and centralized security while maintaining the historically significant thin shell hypar umbrellas. Through a structural analysis of the existing umbrellas, the alternative redesign continues with the repetition of the hypar form within Newark Airport.