Tulsa Community College (TCC) Aviation Center Renovation

Tulsa Community College Aviation Center is used to teach air traffic control and flight instruction. The Center features top-of-the-line equipment and tools, such as an air traffic control tower simulator, radar simulator and several aircraft simulators.

The renovation of TCC’s Aviation Center aimed to provide a creative, authentic and effective learning environment for students.

The goal was to have stunning renovation of the existing 80,000-square-foot facility that would function better for student teaching. A bold blue curve highlights the front entry of the building, inspired by the shape of an airplane wing. The observation deck from the second floor is open to students and is used to teach students the correct methods for take-offs and landings. Upon entering the first-floor lobby, the focal point of the space is a large 747-Half Cowling Desk salvaged from the 747 Jumbo Jet, with 120 man-hours of cutting, grinding, polishing and buffing required to produce the mirrored finish displayed. Also on the first floor is a large student lounge that opens to the second floor. The high ceilings and custom Tulsa skyline wall graphics give the space an open, airy feel reminiscent of flying through the open sky. On the building’s south side there is a renovated large airplane hangar, with all new finishes, new up-to-code stairs, LED lights and a $750,000 foam generator fire suppression system as an extra safety measure. Other spaces in the facility include classrooms, a flight instructors room, a computer room, conference rooms and offices.