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. Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Maldives by Integrated Design AssociatesNovember 17th, 2011 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Integrated Design Associates The new airport, designated as the country’s second international gateway, is located on an island with very limited land mass for an international airport of this size. With airfield infrastructure consuming nearly all the available land our concept of a “floating terminal” has been selected by the Government for its innovative, exciting and eco-friendly approach. The proposed terminal is built entirely on stilts over water without reclamation to preserve the existing environment and the natural coastline. With blue sea, white sandy beach as backdrop the new airport aims to provide passengers with a unique and memorable travel experience.
All passengers arrive and leave the airport by boats. As a single level facility the new terminal is both convenient and easy to use. The modular terminal structure is designed for flexibility to grow according to traffic demand. Its north facing shell-form roofs, made of timber lattice supported on laminated timber arches to evoke the architectural vernacular of the area, brings in abundance of natural light. Passengers move through the building via covered bridges spanning over water, beaches and wait in lounges nestled amongst palm trees. The building has 50% of its area outdoor on decking for passengers to witness the rich marine life at sea level. Together with the use of natural ventilation, effective solar shading and hydro-thermal cooling this strategy greatly reduces the need for full air-conditioning. The ecologically sensitive design ensures that this will be one of the most energy efficient and environmentally sustainable terminal buildings in the world. Tags: Hanimaadhoo, Maldives Category: Airport |