Baku airport gets new terminal building designed by Arup
Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan is building a new terminal designed by global design and engineering company Arup, which will be capable of handling a projected demand of three million passengers per year.
The new terminal spanning 53,000 square metre is intended to be a major hub for the whole of the Caucasus region. The terminal will feature eight air bridges, which will be well-suited for the Boeing 767 aircraft.
The main design objective is to create ‘spaces which are a pleasure to use, encourage relaxation and minimise stress’, as stated by Arup. These objectives will be achieved through generously-proportioned, naturally-lit spaces with extensive internal and external views. The terminal will also feature luxury shopping and leisure areas.
The terminal building will be distinct for its tapered façade design that offers the structure a unique appearance. This innovative shape is integrated to permit ample natural light to enter the space. Skylights form an integral part of the steel structure of the roof.
Arup has stated that the firm is also responsible for the design of a new façade for the existing international terminal. The work encompasses stripping the existing façade, adding insulation and replacing with a metal mesh façade in harmony with the design of the new terminal. The terminal design has been greatly influenced by the vision and design ideas of the client, Jahangir Askerov, president of Azerbaijan Airways (AZAL).
Since Baku is a seismic zone, the design makes use of a frame resistant system to allow for seismic forces. The construction of this unique project began in October 2010. The bulk of the remaining construction is scheduled to begin in early 2011 and finish in 2013.
