In order to do that, the building's first key feature is a performative exterior envelope inspired by the forest and the frame. Just as in nature, where the forest protects from the sun, the building’s shell modulates light and collects energy. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, the concourse's interior is an interplay of environments that is defined by both the local energy and a connection to the natural landscape. The more active public spaces are designed to reflect the textures and activities of the famous markets in Seattle and the region.

A marketplace sits at the center of the concourse with a bar and retail kiosks that frame an open seating area that is also defined by a busker stage for local musicians. This stage faces the Grand Stairs, which provides an activated connection to the restaurants at the mezzanine level. The Port of Seattle, which owns and operates SEA, is working to be the greenest and most energy efficient port in North America, prioritizing the health and well-being of travelers and the environment. CCE is the first project to apply the Port of Seattle’s new Sustainable Project Framework and sets the precedent for all future capital projects.

Sustainable features include rooftop photovoltaics, fossil fuel free systems for heating and hot water, electrochromatic glazing for windows, dishwashing capabilities for vendors reducing the need for disposal dishware, embodied carbon reduction strategies, low-flow water fixtures, and biophilic design principles. The Pacific Northwest is defined by the varied natural landscapes of the Cascades. Inspired by the concept of “Bringing in, seeing out,” Miller Hull and Woods Bagot’s SEA C Concourse Expansion brings an authentic, sustainable, and deeply memorable passenger experience to the Pacific Northwest’s largest and fastest-growing airport.