As Associate Partner with a former firm, Karen directed the Airport Studio and oversaw numerous projects for Newark Liberty International Airport. In 1999, PANYNJ proposed a complete terminal restack for which she oversaw the design of the 14 projects which comprised the Terminal B masterplan.

The studio’s programmatic and architectural focus was to simplify spatially the Terminal uses and re-emphasize the original celebrated hyperbolic columned structure, now perceptually forgotten as the crowding of the Terminal overwhelmed its architecture. Karen’s use of minimal, clean architectural language allowed the strength of the original design to once again be revealed. Her choice of translucent materials provided greater transparency and security, light transmission and spatial and program clarity.

The Departures Hall design options push the ticket counters back to the column line and lift the offices to a mezzanine level, thus clearing out an expanse of open space once again for passenger check-in. On the Arrivals Level, the relocation of transportation kiosks to the At Grade Level allowed the design team to insert an iconic Meeter Greeter lounge with a blue transparent wall separating the Interline Baggage Passage area. The use of transparent material allowed for greater security, light transmission and an open spatial perception.

The Transit Lobby at Grade Level accommodates kiosks for laptop use and along the rear wall, an interactive multimedia information installation.