ZURICH AIRPORT
BJARKE INGELS GROUP
1ST PRIZE AT ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN, 2021-2022
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The construction of the new Dock A with tower and dock base at Zurich Airport is upgrading a critical transportation node between existing Dock A, the Airside Center, and the original Terminal 1. The strength of the project combines the existing facilities with the new design and creates a spatial continuum for these extremely complex and sometimes restrictive framework conditions.
The new Dock A will be built largely from sustainable wood on the passenger levels. The whole surface of the new dock’s roof and the dock base will be used for photovoltaics, covering around two-thirds of the dock’s annual electricity requirement With the functional and consistent integration of sustainability, operations, and economic aspects, the new design represents the Airport’s ambition as a gateway to Switzerland and international hub in a contemporary and adequate way.
KEY ROLE: SENIOR DESIGNER
As Senior Designer, I managed the development of drawing sets and participated in the coordination and review of design deliverables. I was responsible for providing compliance with program requirements and Zurich Airport standards, solving passenger circulation and program adjacencies between areas with different function and security requirements (e.g. Schengen, Non-Schengen, Passport Control, Arrival & Departure Area, Baggage Handling System, VIP Lounges, Retail & Passenger Services).
I also reviewed Building Code compliance and Life Safety rules with local Architects and I adapted the design to meet the requirements. I took responsibility for the coordination and review of consultants’ work including aviation specialists, structural and mechanical engineers, and retail consultants to ensure compliance with the scope of work, design intent, performance requirements, and timely submission of documents.
As part of my role, I also provided technical guidance to junior staff and supervised their work.
PROGRAM ALLOCATION:
The passenger areas in the new terminal are clearly assigned to the respective level and separated from each other. The main circulation and retail space - the Root provides spatial atrium and creates a functional circulation node of the Airport. With the Control Tower and a vast skylight in the middle, it creates impressive interior space and wayfinding feature. All waiting and boarding areas are allocated it the dock.
PASSENGER CIRCULATION:
Due to the permanent spatial separation of the security areas and the frequent level changes, passenger circulation is extremely complex, especially in the area of the vertical connections at the root. In the dock, the passenger areas with a primarily horizontal direction of movement are structurally separated from one another and distributed over three levels