Heathrow T4 ... architectural metalwork solutions by SAS.
Airport design ‘should strike right balance’
Never before has the design and fit-out of airports been more in the public eye. ANDREW JACKSON of SAS International discusses how the design of passenger-focused facilities has been influenced in recent times.
01 July 2011
AQUANTUM leap in projected air traffic – four times in passenger and six times in cargo traffic – is predicted during the next 20 years. According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), it is, therefore, critical that ground infrastructure keeps pace with the growth of traffic. It goes on to say that airports need to be integrated with other modes of transport like railways and highways, enabling seamless transportation to all parts of the country.
The renovation of Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport is set to include new terminals and repair of existing terminals infrastructure enabling 35 million passengers a year to be catered for.
In Dubai, meanwhile, Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai World Central announced at the Airport Show 2011 (May 31 to June 2) that Dubai airports are set for $6 billion of developments. New expansions are due for completion in 2020, increasing Dubai airport’s capacity to 90 million passengers a year.
Improvements in air transport infrastructure for both cargo and passengers is being seen around the world. These important projects set the standard for future generations to improve and grow facilities to match the increase in volume of traffic. They are designed around passenger experience and movement with large sweeping areas allowing for stress-free journeys. External/internal linking and ease of access for maintenance and cleaning are crucial for longevity, security and safety and place special demands on material choice and finishes and fit-out solutions.
In the case of the New Doha International Airport (NDIA), where construction is scheduled for completion by the end of this year, the project has been influenced by the significant changes in the aviation industry that have occurred during recent years. These changes include intensification of the airline competitive environment, evolving airline management and passenger handling technologies and new security procedures and technologies.
At Doha, the vision is being driven by a need to think about long-term capabilities and operator flexibility – to enable success and longevity for future generations. SAS International is working on the extension of the main terminal building and inbound baggage handling facilities.
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The binnacles at Chek Lap Kok airport, Hong Kong ... practical engineering solution. |
Refurbishment challenges
As a new-build, NDIA was a blank slate whereas other transport design will require work to reinvent a building to meet current needs. Refurbishment of the existing fabric can be harder than an ambitious new-build. Demands for an adaptable and bespoke approach are tantamount. Whether new-build or refurbishment, the objective is for elegant but efficient design solutions.
London Heathrow is the capital of England’s aviation hub – it handles flights to over 180 destinations in more than 90 countries. Passengers who regularly travel from Heathrow Terminal Four (T4) will notice that the building has undergone a significant transformation following a recent investment of £100 million ($161.7 million).
At Heathrow T4, SAS International worked with the architects, 3D Reid, to provide bespoke architectural metalwork solutions as part of the major re-development. The project sees SAS International-designed and manufactured bespoke spun aluminium profiled discs, acoustic metal wall panelling and System 600 rafts within the re-developed terminal.
Working with and adapting existing infrastructure and building fabric is always a challenge; each project is unique with its own set of criteria to overcome. For these projects to be realised, a myriad of considerations and a unique approach needs to be taken. Major considerations include challenges of strict timelines and programming of works. Site surveys, designs proposed and fabrication can sometimes start almost simultaneously with work being completed outside operating times, causing as little or no disruption to members of the public.
Off-site modular manufacture of architectural metalwork products can mean installation is quicker, which causes less disruption to such a busy environment, and in addition there is no waste on site.
Acoustic comfort
Airport terminals are designed to provide a pleasant environment for passengers and ultimately ease of flow throughout the buildings. However, just as crucial is acoustic control, a major consideration within these vast open spaces and an essential consideration for traveller and worker comfort.
For example, announcements from loudspeakers need to be heard clearly without reverberation of sound. When hard, sound-reflecting surfaces are used, this can reflect any noise, causing it to travel long distances and creating nuisance where multiple reflections converge. The creation of such poor acoustic conditions can be alleviated by installing high-performance, sound-absorbing products.
A combined perforated and non-perforated metal solution with integrated acoustic pads such as metal wall panelling and acoustic rafts can be designed in a variety of ways to produce optimal acoustic design within an open space of a terminal or station concourse.
Safety & security
Safety and security in terms of the prevention of opportunities for tampering also continue to be critical. The binnacles at Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong, a development of the very successful design solution used at Stansted Airport, contains a multitude of services for the airport building. Their primary function is to house air-conditioning supply ducts and accommodate signage, break glass units, flight information display system (FIDS) monitors, speakers, hose reels, fire hydrants, power sockets, clocks, internal and public telephones.
In the case of Heathrow T4, the architects 3D Reid had to make the building light, airy and modern yet the façade and various materials used within the terminal had to withstand potential of a security breach. All products installed ‘landside’ were required to meet the requirements of Aviation Security in Airport Development (ASIAD). The result meets aesthetic demands yet provides the highest level of performance for the requirements of the building.
A balancing act
There are different demands from the public these days with particular focus being on public spaces and facilities. People expect to see new designs and ideas at a destination alongside their favourite shops and food outlets.
The AAI puts these uniquely challenging environments into context, citing airports also represent a country’s window on the world. Passengers form their future impression about a nation from the state of its airports. They can be effectively used as symbols of national pride if sufficient attention to their quality and maintenance is paid. The design of these hubs will influence the passenger experience as well as impression of the country.
A manufacturer who can offer a design service from the outset can help substantially with evolving design plans and challenges on site on such major projects. The necessity is to work closely with the architect and engineering firms.
Balancing function with aesthetics will remain the biggest demand when considering products for transport projects. The choice of materials and innovative products all have a part to play in providing a distinct finish to enhance the vision. However, communication will be the bedrock of the success of these important projects that will shape the look of the transport infrastructure for years to come.
