Gensler Earns Two Spots on the 2026 Prix De Versailles World Selection List for Aviation

Pittsburgh International Airport and San Diego International Airport Terminal 1 shortlisted for the world’s leading architectural prize in the airport category, one year after Gensler’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO claimed the 2025 World Title.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gensler today announced that two of the firm’s recently-completed airport projects — Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal and Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport — have been named to the 2026 Prix de Versailles World Selection in the Aviation category. Announced annually at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Prix de Versailles recognizes the world’s finest contemporary architectural projects for their innovation, creativity, ecological efficiency, and reflection of local heritage. Gensler is the only firm represented twice on this year’s Aviation list.

The announcement comes one year after Gensler’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport received the 2025 Prix de Versailles World Title in Aviation, the prize’s top honor. This year, the firm returns to the World Selection with two entries: Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal, recognized for its integration of regional identity and operational innovation, and Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport, noted for its transformation of one of the nation’s busiest single-runway airports into a landmark of sustainability and civic design.

“Both of these projects represent something we care deeply about at Gensler; the idea that a great airport can genuinely transform a city’s relationship with the world,” said Ty Osbaugh, Principal and Global Aviation Leader at Gensler. “Pittsburgh and San Diego are complete reinventions: new buildings that future-proof their airports for a new generation of travelers while giving their communities something to be proud of. That ambition is exactly what the Prix de Versailles recognizes, and we’re honored to be on this list.”

Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal, completed in 2025, is a $1.7 billion, 811,000-square-foot facility designed by Gensler and HDR in association with luis vidal + architects. A complete reimagining of the airport from the ground up, the terminal consolidates check-in, security, baggage claim, and ground transport under a single roof for the first time — eliminating the former automated people mover connection and saving approximately $18 million annually in operational and maintenance costs. Its design reflects the natural character of the Pittsburgh region through a sweeping, undulating roof evoking the rolling Allegheny Mountains, 38 tree-like exposed steel columns, and four outdoor terraces planted with native species. The terminal is pursuing LEED Gold certification.

Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport, also completed in 2025, replaces the original 1960s-era structure from 336,000 square feet to approximately 1 million square feet; a wholesale transformation that positions SAN as a hub for the next generation of air travel. The terminal draws its identity from San Diego’s landscape of canyons, sea, and sky, expressed through commissioned art installations, angled ceiling forms, mosaic glass details, and an outdoor terrace offering sweeping views across the city. An innovative structural system eliminated two column rows from the ticketing hall, improving circulation while reducing embodied carbon by 30% and saving $80 million in material cost. The terminal is powered by 100% carbon-free electricity and is pursuing LEED Silver certification.

The Prix de Versailles was established in 2015 and is announced annually at UNESCO. Its independent jury evaluates projects across categories including airports, hotels, museums, campuses, passenger stations, sports facilities, large-format retail, and restaurants, recognizing work aligned with the UN’s principles of intelligent sustainability and the values of social interaction and participation.

About Gensler

At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.