The Anemos consortium consisting of Grimshaw, Haptic , Athens-based K-Studio , Arup, Leslie Jones, Triagonal and Plan A has been appointed to design the expansion of Athens International Airport (AIA). The project will increase the capacity of the airport from 26 to 40 million passengers by 2032 through a phased programme delivered within a live operational airport environment.
Originally designed and constructed by Hochtief and completed in 2001 ready for the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, Athens International Airport is the largest airport in Greece, located 20 kilometres from the city centre. The expansion project considers the current architectural context of the airport proposing, within the masterplan brief, extensions and alterations to the main terminal building (MTB) and satellite terminal building (STB). The scope also includes landside and airside updates, aircraft stands, gate seating and commercial areas.
Unifying the existing airport with the new elements is central to the design concept: an airport that reflects the past, present and future of the city.
This is guided and informed by a response to the spirit of Athenian life, the architecture and materiality of Athens, and the celebration of a city that is ingrained with layers of time. Pragmatic in layout securing an ease of operations, efficient flows and intuitive wayfinding, a sense of place will pervade, with a rich landscaping strategy, cohesive and natural materials palette, and an infusion of daylight to all parts of the terminal building. The design will also build on AIA’s net zero operations target and whole life carbon commitments, adopting passive design principles, low carbon structures and materials. modular efficient construction systems, and renewable energy, waste and water systems. The project is targeting a LEED Gold standard.
Running on a north to south axis the design to the MTB includes a new landside identity to the west.
A distinct, repetitive and modular façade, creating a ‘lifted’ internal colonnade, is defined by stone vertical fins extending across the structure.
Intersecting this rhythm are six new portals, contemporary, light but distinct stone forms, providing an order and scale that directs and welcomes passengers to the new check-in/departures hall. In the hall, the soffit is also lifted, diffusing daylight deep into this busy transitional space prioritising passenger navigation, flow and access.
Two new unforgettable Athenian moments as part of the design are the north and south oculus, destination points and new dwelling spaces, extending the existing structure and accessed via active, flowing, rhythmic street spaces, balconies, VIP lounges and commercial zones.
The north oculus is the primary space, a rich landscaped Mediterranean garden set in a 24.5-metre-high circular, tiered space – a volume that at once impresses and grounds the experience of the terminal and the city beyond.
Entering the northern oculus from airside at ground level passengers experience a microcosm of the city life – the hospitality of Athens – a memorable moment with an architectural language that flows and leads the eye to specific environments across the MTB.
The south oculus is another dwell area where three terraced levels are arranged around an atrium space with generous seating and extensive landscaping alongside smaller F&B units to create a unique and memorable experience. Again, through a lifted soffit, daylight is diffused across the space providing long views across the terminal and navigation towards the departure gates.
As part of the design proposals the STB will change function to a dedicated Extra Schengen facility with significant operational and spatial modifications. Linked to the MTB via a tunnel, the passenger circulation areas of the building will be substantially improved, including the integration of atrium space which, following the principles of the MTB brings daylight into the function of these spaces, ultimately enhancing the passenger experience.
The strategy for delivery across the terminal buildings emphasises a programme of modification and extension that will be transformative, while minimising disruption to the existing facilities.
Grimshaw
Grimshaw is an international architectural practice delivering buildings, infrastructure and places that are underpinned by the principles of humane, enduring, sustainable design. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Dubai, Melbourne and Sydney, Grimshaw employs over 550 staff. The practice’s international portfolio covers all major sectors and has been honoured with over 200 international design awards.
Haptic
Haptic is an international award winning architecture practice based in London, Oslo and Bilbao. The Haptic Way is how we work, led by curiosity and ambition. It’s how we deliver exceptional design, getting more from less, irrespective of scale, programme or place. Haptic relates to touch: we care deeply about the impression we leave – on both places and people. Haptic has extensive experience in large scale infrastructure, including Istanbul Airport and Noida International Airport.
K-Studio
K-Studio is a design practice rooted in architecture. We are a creative studio of architects and interior designers based in central Athens. Our contextual approach produces unique and immersive experiences through Architecture, Interior and Hardscape Design, allowing us to achieve a holistic sense of experience across the range of spatial qualities within every project. We create crafted architectural experiences that are informed by tradition, enriched by materiality and inspired by contemporary life. We do not like waste. We make minimal interventions that use minimal resources and always prefer to work with elements to create comfort that is naturally luxurious
Arup
Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of 20,000 designers, advisors and experts working across 140 countries. Founded to strive for humanity and excellence in everything that we do, we collaborate with our clients and partners, using imagination, technology and rigour to shape a better world.
Leslie Jones
Leslie Jones’ goal is to be innovative and practical, based on a clear understanding of the needs of the consumer and the retailer. Our aviation design skills are drawn both from the extensive experience of the sector team and the retail and interior design skills of the company as a whole. We aim to deliver a holistic design balancing optimum commercial solutions with operational processes to create a memorable passenger experience. We are able to tailor the design service we offer to suit the project requirements and the skill set of the design team.
Triagonal
Copenhagen based Triagonal is one of few design companies specialised in strategic wayfinding. We work in airports, rail stations, hospitals and in other complex public areas creating user centric wayfinding strategies and signage solutions. We believe that wayfinding should empower the end-users and improve the passenger experience, contributing to a hassle-free and relaxed journey – giving extra time to shop, eat or enjoy the view along the way. We have worked in more than 75 airport projects since our start in 2004.
Facts & Credits
Project title The expansion of Athens International Airport
Typology Public building
Location Athens
Client Athens International Airport
Architects Grimshaw, Haptic and K-Studio
Engineer Arup
Retail design consultant Leslie Jones
Wayfinding Triagonal
Design management Plan A
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