Airport design Archives

Architecture

Unique, Sculptural Air Traffic Control Tower Design for Columbus Indiana

July 25, 2024 Architecture

The small city of Columbus, Indiana has become famous for its embrace of modern design. World famous designers like I.M. Pei, Harry Weese, Eero Saarinen and numerous others have created landmarks for this city of 50,000.

An unexpected new addition to the city comes in the form of a brand new air traffic control tower, which is not something that often gets much attention from a design perspective.

Designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects, the distinctive tower has a fascinating ribbed, angular form, unlike anything we’ve quite seen before. Somewhat resembling the form of a person, the tower uses repeated forms that also have echoes of topography.

The 129-foot tower adds to the area’s unique take on design and architecture, and shows that utilitarian-type projects like an air traffic control tower can surprise and delight. The tower breaks ground soon, and should be finished by 2026.

Via Dezeen:

Architecture

Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport Features World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall

April 12, 2019 Architecture

Singapore is well known for their immaculate streets, and nature-inspired architecture. The future-forward Jewel Changi addition has just opened after a five year construction, and features some amazing architectural wonders, including the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, which gracefully plunges seven stories down through a glass atrium and an enormous indoor forest. Quite a bit more impressive than the CinnaBon eatery at most airports, if we do say so ourselves.

Designed by Safdie Architects, the giant greenhouse connects to the main terminal, and is meant to be a sensory and healthy escape during the rush of international travel. Using collected rainwater, the Rain Vortex channels 10,000 gallons of water a minute, and is also used to irrigate the extensive indoor forest and gardens. The glass dome has been specially designed to minimize airplane takeoff noise, creating a truly zen experience.

We don’t have travel plans through Singapore anytime soon, so let us know if you have visited this impressive new addition to the country’s airport. Via Dezeen:

Architecture

A New Mexico City Airport to Take Flight

September 9, 2014 Architecture

FR-EE & foster + partners to design a new airport for mexico city

Sir Norman Foster is certainly one of the rockstars of the architecture world, and the new design for Mexico City’s International Airport does nothing to stop that reputation. Designed as one of the largest airports in the world, as well as the greenest, it’s beautiful flowing form is set to be completed by 2018. Via DesignBoom:

An enormous circular garden greets people as they arrive. In fact, the circle form is unique in airport design, and will dramatically simplify the often hodgepodge approach of existing airports.

‘Its design provides the most flexible enclosure possible to accommodate internal change and an increase in capacity. Mexico has really seized the initiative in investing in its national airport, understanding its social and economic importance and planning for the future. There will be nothing else like it in the world.’ – Lord Norman Foster.