The Architecture of Airport Terminals: Gateway To A City

Abstract

This paper looks at Airport Terminals as icons in a city and the design aspects for the Terminal building which is the interface between ground & air transport. The architecture of Terminal building involves diverse perspectives of analysis and understanding. As glamorous gateways to a city, Airports are representative and first impressions of the city. Hence, form and function of Terminal buildings are both equally prime aspects of planning & design. Cities vie for world class airports- domestic or international, as they are a city’s pride like any other monument or landmark, catering to visitors across cities and nations. Airports are generally planned for a longer life term functioning at least for half a century with intent of good possibility of future expansion. A Terminal has two sides to it; land-side and air-side. While passenger comfort and safety are of utmost importance, on air-side the operational activities of the aircrafts require critical planning and management. They are large establishments involving architecture and technical design detailing at various scales. Apart from the primary objectives of passenger needs, airline operational needs, airport management- safety & security, there is a community objective as well; which involves a facility for citizens; airport building itself being an aesthetic and integral part of the city. Indian cities are witnessing unprecedented growth in air travel and expectations of a good experience at the Airport is deemed prerogative. ‘Green Airports’ are the current theme in India going the social & environmental way of design & conceptualization.