ZYSCOVICH ARCHITECTS PLAYS KEY ROLE IN

U.S.-COLOMBIA FREE TRADE PROJECTS

Firm Leads Expansion Design for El Dorado International, Six Regional Airports, Community School Projects, and New Consulates in Newark and Orlando

to Boost Colombian Infrastructure

MIAMI – (July XX, 2012) – Utilizing its extensive design expertise and strong ties to Colombia, Zyscovich Architects is playing an important role in boosting the South American nation’s infrastructure. The firm was chosen for a series of projects that will help support increased travel and business following passage of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Zyscovich’s projects include design of the phased terminal replacement for El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, expansion of six regional airports throughout the country, pilot school projects in several communities, and design of new Colombian consulates in Newark, N.J., and Orlando, Fla. The Newark consulate was dedicated on July 13 by Colombia’s Foreign Relations Minister Maria Ángela Holguín Cuéllar.

“Colombia’s economy and international influence are growing at an incredible pace, due in part to the free trade agreement with the U.S. and potential similar agreements with other nations,” said Bernard Zyscovich, FAIA, president and managing principal. “We’re honored to play a role in expanding the country’s infrastructure by drawing upon the firm’s extensive knowledge to create solutions that work best for Colombia.”

El Dorado International Airport

As architect of record, Zyscovich designed El Dorado International Airport’s new international and domestic terminals. Completed earlier this month, the first phase, which consists of the international terminal, has begun to gradually accept incoming international flights. Officials expect the terminal will open to the public in October and be fully operational by December. The new domestic terminal is scheduled for completion by July 2014.

According to Bernard Zyscovich, the terminal replacement is among the largest ventures underway in Colombia and one of the hemisphere’s largest current airport projects.

At nearly 1.9 million square feet, the project includes a variety of features to enhance airport efficiency, including a six-lane entrance that can accommodate 80,000 vehicles daily, 64 check-in counters, 45 immigration lanes, restaurants and duty-free shops, and a baggage claim area that utilizes the latest technology from European airports. The terminal is expected to be able to handle 30 million passengers annually by 2014.

El Dorado’s sustainable design also incorporates natural light and ventilation to maximize energy efficiency and a rain water collection system for irrigation and toilets.

In addition to El Dorado, Zyscovich was named architect of record for expansion projects at six regional airports throughout the country, including Bucaramanga (SKBG), Cúcuta (SKCC). Santa Marta (SKSM), Valledupar (SKVP), Riohacha (SKRH) and Barrancabermeja (SKEJ).

“The firm was chosen as architect of record for its rare, but ideal, mix of global experience and local know-how,” said project lead and Colombian native Mario Suárez-Parra, LEED® AP, Principal and Director of International Development for Zyscovich Architects, which also has an office in Bogotá. “They were looking for world-class expertise that could be built using skilled workers locally.”

“Mega High Schools”

Zyscovich also was commissioned by the Departamento del Cesar in Colombia to design and/or replace several schools in Curumaní, Codazzi and Aguachica. Dubbed mega colegios (mega schools), the comprehensive education complexes will consist of a main school that accommodates primary- and upper-level classes, a central courtyard and grassy, rooftop gathering space. In addition, each school has a community component that includes a community service office, museum, theater and planetarium. The design incorporates water harvesting, cross-ventilation, natural lighting and local materials and resources for cultural identity.

Suárez-Parra says this is a pilot project that can be used in other areas of Colombia to help educate both children and adults for jobs needed in each local region.

Colombian Consulates

To further promote trade with the U.S., the Colombian government worked with Zyscovich on its new consulates in Newark and Orlando. Trade with Colombia has been on the rise and trade promotion officials hope the free trade agreement will add to the growth.

For the consulate, Suárez-Parra says officials wanted a firm that understood Colombia’s specialized needs, operations and preferences, but had the expertise and relationships to get the project completed in the U.S.

The Colombian government and Zyscovich Architects recently celebrated the grand opening of the new Colombian consulate office in Newark with a reception attended by Foreign Relations Minister Holguín Cuéllar.

About Zyscovich Architects

Zyscovich Architects is a nationally renowned integrated urban design, architecture and interior design firm headquartered in Miami, with additional locations in New York City, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Bogotá and Tobago. Zyscovich’s 35-year portfolio includes aviation, education, mixed-use, multi-family, hospitality, retail, and commercial facilities.

For additional information on Zyscovich Architects and its diverse project expertise, please visit the website at www.zyscovich.com.