Symbols par excellence of today’s mobile society, the architecture of an airport must both measure up to the international competition and provide a flexible housing for its core business of passenger handling. The remit for the extension of Vienna International Airport was to create a centrepiece for what is fast growing into a mini-city of its own, to contain the flow of passengers through the construction of a new terminal and to prepare the airport for future growth. The final requirement: to link the new and existing structures to form one coherent whole.

Designed on the principles of neutrality of use and flexibility, the result was an open structure that deals successfully with passenger flows, serves as an aid to orientation and lends the terminal character. The elegantly curved structure, which covers 76,000m2, comprises 72 check-in desks alongside shops, lounges and access to car parks and the underground railway station. A striking roof spans the building, creating unity and cohesion, while extensive glass facades draw the eye out to the departure gates and the apron.
 

Further growth on the horizon
Three words – transparent, translucent, luminous – sum up the approach that makes the hall a successful setting for the airport’s elaborate passenger-friendly flow concept, a place that counters the hustle and bustle of the airport with calm and composure and offers the flexible structure needed to make it future-proof.