At the project’s outset the mandate was established to both provide a healthy indoor environment for travelers and staff, and to conceive of a sustainable design response that targets a LEED® Silver designation.
To capitalize on this mandate optimal solar orientation was incorporated. This passive sustainable design approach was fundamental in establishing the siting and orientation of the new combined office and control tower. An optimal east/west solar orientation was employed to minimize solar gain from the western exposure thereby providing a comfortable interior work environment.
Perimeter ribbon windows were designed to maximize daylight and views from all interior occupied areas. The ribbons’ aperature opens up to the south and north with views out to the distant city and active runways, while the aperature closes down on the east facade immediately adjacent to the existing main terminal building in response to fire separation requirements and compromised daylight access and views.
↑ Tower ribbons as seen from inside the airport's central gathering hall 从机场室内大厅看外立面
The combined office and control tower is unique in that it accommodates a fully functioning air traffic control tower cab at the top of the new tower. This programmatic challenge informed the design of the building’s cladding, as the cladding carefully responds to all downward viewing angles. These critical views include sightlines to aircraft gates and out to runway thresholds.
The shingled undulating zinc cladding creates a free-flowing sculpted skin. The material is malleable and modular, and it allows for easy installation in situ around the tower’s perimeter. In addition, zinc support the project’s sustainable mandate and provides an exterior surface that is naturally weathering.
A unique planning, construction, and accessibility challenge was required of the design team on this project. The new tower is located airside (secure access) at a fully operational airport. Public access to the building occurs on ground side (insecure access) without going through airport security. The final solution creates a mezzanine level bridge connection that allows visitors and staff to occupy the tower without having to repeatedly go through airport security. Security is maintained horizontally well above the departures level.
↑ Tower exterior (looking northeast) 外观
Photography by Tom Arban Photography
Elevations and floorplans by DIALOG
↑ Site plan 总平
↑ North elevation 北立面
↑ East elevation 东立面
↑ Arrivals level floorplan 到达层平面
↑ Office floorplan 办公平面
