YVR Pier D Expansion: Creating a living legacy in airport design

The Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) Pier D expansion is its largest terminal development in 25 years, significantly increasing international gate capacity and elevating YVR’s acclaimed passenger experience.

Kasian, as Prime Consultant, led the design and delivery of the three-storey expansion, which added eight new gates for Class V and VI aircraft – four contact stands and four bus gates – along with new retail, dining, and immersive public spaces. Sustainability was embedded throughout, with energy-reduction strategies, alternative energy sources, and innovative water and waste systems aligning with YVR’s environmental goals.

Inspired by British Columbia’s rugged coastline, the design continues YVR’s ‘Land, Sea and Sky’ narrative. Its focal point is a dramatic amenity space where massive timber columns support roof angled to the sun. Live Western Hemlock trees, rocky landscapes, tidal pools, and projected vignettes of BC’s skies and wildlife immerse travellers in the province’s natural beauty, while custom ‘speaker trees’ developed with acoustic engineers layer multi-dimensional soundscapes into the experience.

On Level 1, passengers move through an environment evoking a kelp forest, where the ebb and flow of coastal forms serve as an intuitive wayfinding spine to gate counters. Contextual art, carpet patterns, and design details reinforce the coastal theme. The expansion also features children’s play areas, duty-free shopping, other retail, and ample seating to enhance comfort for travellers in transit.

YVR’s investment in Pier D reinforces its reputation as a world-class hub, recognized by Skytrax as ‘Best Airport in North America’ 14 times in the past 16 years, and in 2025 ranked 13th among the world’s top airports.

All photos are taken by Ema Peter.

“Projects at YVR are guided by the commitment to create a unique sense of place through passenger experiences, that reflect YVR’s core values of respect for the cultural heritage and richness of the land of BC.” – Martin Nogger, Principal

“The Pier D expansion reinforces YVR’s role as a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. Kasian captured and delivered on our vision for a world-class, sustainable terminal expansion and we are excited for passengers to travel through Pier D and experience all that this innovative space has to offer”. –  Christoph Rufenacht, VP, Airport Development & Asset Optimization, Vancouver International Airport