ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. General Aviation Terminal Schiphol in Netherlands by VMX ArchitectsNovember 16th, 2011 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: VMX Architects Schiphol’s General Aviation (GA) Terminal is where the private and business flights of Heads of States, members of the Royal Family, CEO’s, pop stars and top football players are handled. As a reaction to the inconvenience of flying today with low-cost airways and long queues, VMX found it’s inspiration in the terminals from the era in which aviation was seen as a pleasure and had a luxurious appeal.
When flying on a private plane it should be possible to reach the plane as efficiently as possible, without long queues and excessive security control. VMX has tried to optimise this luxury by allowing the car to enter the middle of the building at the drop-off, with the shortest distance possible to the waiting plane under a large canopy, sheltering the passenger from rain, wind or the paparazzi. As part of the business case, 4.000 m2 of office space was necessary and was created on the first floor of the terminal. The form of the building and the detailing of the enormous canopy protect the passengers not only from the climate but also from the possible indiscretions of office workers. The sloping facades, windows and canopy allow light to come into the offices and direct the view upwards towards the sky, instead of downwards to the arriving passengers. Contrary to the Calvinistic approach in the Netherlands and to the rationalisation of global air travel the building has with it’s silver sequined polyester skin and pink glass deliberately a luxurious feel. Sun architecture Publishers has published a book about the building (ISBN 9 789461 057457) Contact VMX Architects
Tags: Netherlands, Schiphol Category: Airport |