Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Rather than being a huge and fast-working machine that fulfils its function, terminal buildings are the most typical examples of standard spaces. For changes in the airline industry, the increase in the number of passengers and the continued growth in air cargo markets that require increasing number of aircraft, directs airport design not only in terms of planning but also in terms of size. Besides, today, leaving the claustrophobic terminals of the past behind, we aim to get rid of the pressure and monotony created by mandatory standards, and becoming inspiring, light-filled spaces. Carrying out security procedures as quickly and comfortably as possible is one of the top priority criteria for passenger comfort. For safety reasons, passengers spend even more time for controls than the flight, which is stressful; hence, integrity of two main spaces, air and land side, and a permeable and fluid space organization facilitates operation, every moment and stage, starting from entrance to the terminal, is carefully designed. The typical section through the terminal structure consists of one level below the concourse levels comprising either technical areas (approx. 4m floor-to-floor height) or ‘back of house’ baggage handling zones (8m floor-to-floor). Two concourse levels are then present, above which a long span roof is suspended 16m above the upper concourse level. The mechanical infrastructure, installations and warehouses are located on the basement floor, and the arrivals passenger sections on the ground floor and the departures sections on the upper floors, the density is balanced thanks to the circulation in two directions since the first control. This application heralds a calmer journey. As a result of the relationship between the roof structure and the space, natural lighting is provided, and the trace of this structure in the space provides natural orientation. The form of the building’s roof design, inspired by natural forms such as fish scales and gills integrates optimally orientated south‐facing solar energy production areas with the introduction of diffuse daylight from the north. The structure of the long span roof is steelwork, spans up to 36m x 60m across the largest bay of the roof and while for the most part planar, includes regions of single and double curvature as the roof ‘scoops’ down to the upper concourse level at six locations, allowing light in. In addition, the roof serves to collect rainwater, which is used in the building, and ‐ in combination with vertical elements, where the roof form is “pulled down” to the floor – is used to distribute the supply air in the hall. The return air network is integrated into the islands containing the check‐in counters. The roof envelope is thus used to supply the building with energy, light, air and water. The main west‐facing façade is tilted away from the sky to provide passive solar protection. The competition winning project of new Sabiha Gökcen Airport, Istanbul is designed to provide optimal environmental conditions for staff and visitors while minimizing energy demand via a combination of passive and active climate control strategies.