The busiest airport in the world is about to get a whole lot better

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Level 2 Canopy atlanta airport upgrades renderings

Ricondo & Associates

America's busiest airport is about to get some much needed improvements to its domestic terminal.

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Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, home base of Delta Airlines, already has some pretty impressive features. Like a club owned by Jay-Z. And arguably more important - an average of 8.1 outlets per gate.

Yet, the domestic terminal has remained in roughly the same state since it opened its doors in 1980.

Proposal renderings for the improvements were released this week by Ricondo & Associates, the firm on contract with the City of Atlanta.

Renovations include a new atrium, which looks more like a mall than an airport…

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Atlanta airport upgrade rendering atrium

Ricondo & Associates

Skylights enable natural light to reach even the darkest corners.

… and a sweeping new terminal lobby with plenty of windows to let in natural light.

Package 3 Terminal Lobby Ceiling atlanta airport upgrade rendering

Ricondo & Associates

The gate areas will also see upgrades, with more seating areas. In general, it seems like a much more relaxing space than typical airport waiting areas.

atlanta airport upgrade rendering gate area

Ricondo & Associates

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On the upper level, a semi-transparent canopy will shield travelers from the fierce southern sun while still allowing light to reach the exterior of the building.

atlanta airport upgrades rendering upper canopy

Ricondo & Associates

One of the most impressive features is what is being called a "composure area." Just beyond the TSA checkpoint, this area gives travelers room to recompose themselves after being shuffled through screening.

atlanta airport upgrade rendering composure area

Ricondo & Associates

The City of Atlanta has released a massive, 325-page request for proposals, which are due in August.

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