Worlds Largest Airport Terminal : Istanbul
Following on from my post about Grimshaw’s work on the airport in St Petersburg, here are some concept images of their new six-runway airport in Istanbul capable of accommodating up to 150 million passengers a year.
The Grimshaw-led team, which also includes Norwegian firm Nordic Office of Architecture, and London studio Haptic, says the Istanbul New Airport Terminal One will become the “world’s largest airport terminal under one roof”, covering a site of nearly 100 hectares. Is it possible that this airport will become a destination unto itself? Like in 1961 when Architect Paul Williams designed the Encounter restaurant at LAX solely as a unique dining experience? I’m probably over-thinking it.
Described by the designers as “modern and highly functional, with a unique sense of place”, the terminal will feature a vaulted canopy dotted with skylights. These will focus daylight onto key sections of the interior, including check-in desks, passport control and shops. What I love about Grimshaw is that they have an immense attention to detail and are wholly focused on how their spaces are going to be used on a day to day basis. They understand that a terminal is hectic and will be constantly expanding, so they keep the foot print clean and minimal. They create height using vaulting and design interesting lighting-scapes that act as a supporting role for the daylight. Their spaces are not overbearing, they complement and enhance their natural surroundings, and they understand and are sympathetic to their unique climates. Grimshaw creates beauty without ego, and that is a very special thing.
