Wright Brothers’ Legacy Honored with Bronze Casted Medallions in Terrazzo

Terrazzo Floor Art Installation at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Terrazzo has the ability to tell stories, to create immersive experiences. At the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the expansion of Concourse A uses terrazzo to bring the Wright Brother’s legacy to life, transforming a functional space into an inspiring journey for travelers.

Central to this installation are bronze medallions in the terrazzo floor, showcasing how terrazzo can elevate any space. This interactive exhibit turns the concourse into an innovative space that aligns with the the spirit of modern aviation.

Terrazzo Floors at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

If you’ve traveled through Charlotte, NC, you’ve likely noticed how terrazzo has become a cornerstone of the airport’s design. Terrazzo art installations have become focal points that leave travelers amazed.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport continues to grow to meet the demands of growing passenger traffic. Concord Terrazzo Company previously supplied TERRAZZCO Brand Products for Concourse A that laid the groundwork for a cohesive design throughout the airport.

For phase II, C Design and Perkins + Will built upon the airport using terrazzo to honor aviation history. The Concourse A connector celebrates the ingenuity and determination of the Wright Brothers, who changed the course of transportation forever.

Wright Brothers’ Legacy

The Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, achieved the first powered flight in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina – a defining moment in transportation history. From Dayton, Ohio, their roots in bicycle mechanics shaped their inventive approach to flight.

They developed the first three-axis control system, allowing pilots to steer and maintain equilibrium.

To honor their achievements, seven brass medallions were embedded into the terrazzo floor, each depicting key moments in the Wright Brothers’ journey. These medallions capture the milestones of their four powered flights, including the distances traveled.

Collaboration with Artist Greg Stump: Art Meets Craftsmanship

To bring this artistry to life, Concord Terrazzo Company collaborated with local artist Greg Stump, known for his expertise in historical illustration. Stump designed the medallions with a line-art style, using engraving equipment to etch intricate details that narrate the Wright Brothers’s story.

These bronze medallions serve as educational pieces for each powered flight, enriching travelers’ experiences by connecting them to a pivotal moment in history.

Immersive Experience for Travelers

The bronze medallions are integrated into the terrazzo floor within the Concourse A connector. Travelers are guided along the floor by ribbons embedded in the terrazzo, symbolizing the distance flown by the Wright Brothers. Each ribbon ends with a medallion, that depicts an important date in aviation history.

Inspiring Designs Made with Terrazzo

The project exemplifies the impact terrazzo has on commercial spaces in creating unforgettable experiences. Its durability and low maintenance achieve a long-lasting floor, but its design flexibility gives floors an opportunity for artistic expression and storytelling.

The Wright Brothers’ journey began as a simple idea that shaped how we life today. Similarly, terrazzo installations like this honor history while creating functional, engaging environments for millions of people each year.

Let’s talk about your project

Are you interested in adding custom bronze medallions or a custom design into your terrazzo flooring? Concord Terrazzo Company specializes in creating one-of-a-kind terrazzo designs. And as a single-source supplier, we supply the TERRAZZCO materials you need to bring your ideas to life – from waterjet-cut designs to specialty aggregates.

Contact us today to discuss the limitless possibilities of terrazzo. Contact us today