Heathrow, the new Terminal 2A, roof architecture, 16th November 2013. Photo supplied for agreed use only. Please refer to the Licence Agreement. Contact: Equate Images +44 1992 501 134. Image must not be re-distributed for any other third party use.

London Heathrow Airport, designed by Luis Vidal + Architects

Vidal greets the Queen of England at the opening ceremony of the London Heathrow Airport

Vidal greets the Queen of England at the opening ceremony of the London Heathrow Airport

The Dallas Center for Architecture this week opened its latest exhibit, Encounters, featuring Spanish architect Luis Vidal. He’s the mastermind behind several pivotal projects around the globe, including The Queen’s Terminal at London Heathrow Airport — the world’s first airport terminal to receive the BREEAM excellent rating for sustainable design.

The exhibit made its debut in Tokyo, then Washington D.C. and New York City before making its way to Dallas. For that, you can thank Preston Hollow resident Janet Kafka who serves as the Honorary Consul of Spain. Her job is to promote all things Spain. In fact, Vidal and his wife stay at Kafka’s home whenever they visit Dallas.

“Their home away from home in Dallas is Preston Hollow,” she says, and vice versa. During her multiple visits to Spain each year, Kafka stays with the Vidals in Madrid.

The DCA exhibit highlights Vidal’s work on airports, hospitals and train stations — buildings with important human elements. Kafka says that’s what makes Vidal special. It’s not just about creating a monumental structure.

“He asks, how are people going to feel when they walk into the building?” she says. And, he talks about architecture in a language everyone can understand.

When viewing the work, which includes 6,000 “flowers” from 80 projects in 18 cities, you’ll want an iPad or iPhone in hand (iPads are provided) to receive the full effect. The exhibit features portions of “augmented reality” in which digital videos, images and descriptions complement what’s seen on the gallery walls.

The exhibit runs through Oct. 31.

Encounters exhibit in New York City: Photo by Manuel Molina Martagon

Encounters exhibit in New York City: Photo by Manuel Molina Martagon