Architecture firms Gensler, HDR and Luis Vidal have revealed a proposal for a new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport, featuring an undulating rooftop and curved windows.

Billed as a "new gateway for the region", the 635,000-square-foot (58,993-square-metre) terminal will encompass ticketing, baggage claim, a meet-and-greet area, security checkpoint, along with retail and various concessions.

Renderings of the trio's proposed design show a T-shaped building, covered by a roof formed from undulating sections offset from one another. Windows are slotted in the gaps between to fill the terminal with natural light.

Each of these portions of the roof extend over the sides of the building to rest on tree-like structures. This formation creates covered areas for the terminal drop-off points, with the building underneath completely glazed.

The update planned for Pittsburgh International Airport forms part of Allegheny County Airport Authority's Terminal Modernization Program, which aims to offer better travel experiences in the region.

Gensler, HDR and Luis Vidal win contest for project

Gensler – which has a total of 48 offices across the world – has a host of experience in airport design. Past projects including new terminals at Wyoming's Jackson Hole Airport, San Francisco International Airport and New York's John F Kennedy Airport (JFK).

Madrid-based Luis Vidal + Architects, meanwhile, is behind London's Heathrow Terminal 2 building and Zaragoza Airport in Spain.

Teaming with Omaha's HDR, the firms were awarded the Pittsburgh project ahead of 10 others, after submitting to a request for proposals, issued by the airport last year. This is the first time the trio have revealed their concept for the new Pittsburgh International Airport terminal.

The scheme aims to offer a seamless passenger experience. The structure is intended to celebrate "technological advances", as well as its surroundings in the city's suburbs, according to Gensler.

"The design philosophy – NaTeCo – combines nature, technology, and community, as a nod to Pittsburgh's location, its local residents, and their commitment to innovation," said the firm. "The result will be a more modern, adaptable facility that truly reflects Pittsburgh and belongs to the local area."

US cities make major upgrades to airports

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is among a number of US cities that are making major updates to their airports.

Chicago is currently on the hunt for an architecture firm to design a new terminal at O'Hare International Airport, with Foster + Partners and Santiago Calatrava among the list of firms on the shortlist.

New York has plans for a new $1.4 billion terminal at Newark Airport and is in the process of completely replacing LaGuardia.

The city also recently updated the masterplan for the major overhaul of JFK, where the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed terminal has been transformed into a hotel. Gensler has also designed an animal terminal and a Jet Blue Terminal at the airport.