Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, IT, Security and Special Systems Design Services

Burns provided specialized engineering services for the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), supporting improvements at Nashville International Airport (BNA).

MNAA’s “BNA Vision” was a comprehensive expansion program to accommodate the Central Tennessee region’s booming population growth and Nashville’s emerging role as a major travel destination. The multi-phased capital program included redevelopment and expansion of landside and airside facilities, including:

• New Terminal Lobby, TSA checkpoint, and associated amenities
• New state-of-the-art international arrivals facility with six domestic/international swing gates
• Expanded ticketing lobby and baggage claim
• Ground-up rebuild of Concourse D
• New Central Utilities Plant

Burns provided a range of IT, communications, security, and special systems engineering services throughout the BNA Vision program, which wrapped up in February 2024.

Initially, Burns supported concept design on the Corgan-led master architect team, evaluating existing conditions and providing the design concept.  Burns’ role expanded with the progressive design-build program, leading communications, technology, and security design as part of the Hensel Phelps and Fentress Architects team.

IT, Security, and Special Systems

Burns was the engineer of record for low-voltage technology and security systems throughout the international arrivals building, ticketing and baggage claim expansion, Concourses B and D expansions, new Grand Lobby. Project designs included new backbone and horizontal cabling, pathways and related infrastructure to support special systems and shared communications rooms.

Burns implemented the latest technologies to create an improved passenger experience and robust security infrastructure. Special systems designs included:

• IT Infrastructure
• Wi-Fi
• DAS
• FIDS
• Paging
• Common Use
• Access Control
• Video Surveillance

Grand Lobby Multimedia Systems

Burns led the design effort to deliver a landmark video wall for the BNA Vision program’s completely renovated, 200,000-square-foot Grand Lobby. The dramatic centerpiece of the airport’s redevelopment welcomes travelers while reunifying the terminals and ground transportation options.

Burns led procurement for the Terminal Lobby’s massive digital artwork. The large-scale installation brings Nashville’s Lower Broadway entertainment district directly into the terminal and celebrates the culture of Middle Tennessee, greeting passengers with two 900-square-foot, 12k-high-resolution multimedia displays.

Burns managed the effort to deliver the multimedia features’ content production, design and implementation. Leading a collaborative process to create custom-developed videos, Burns partnered with production studio Gentilhomme to capture the excitement, sounds and experiences of Music City.