SWITZERLAND. A team led by BIG and HOK has been revealed as the force behind the winning proposal for the design and build of the new Dock A zone Zürich Airport.
The Design Solution and Pragma Consulting will respectively be responsible for the commercial planning and strategy elements of the retail offer. Other members of the winning bid – which was selected from ten global entries – are architects 10:8, engineer Buro Happold, timber expert Pirmin Jung and aviation consultant NACO.
Expected to open in ten years, Dock A will include Schengen and Non-Schengen gates, airside retail, lounges, offices, a new air traffic control tower and an extension of the immigration hall.
The BIG/HOK team’s concept was titled The Raumfachwerk – a robust yet flexible structural framework – with a design proposal designed to elevate the passenger experience and ease of movement through the airport.
Located adjacent to the existing Airside Center and Terminal 1, the new Dock A is defined by two main areas: the central hub with shopping, airport services for arriving and departing passengers and vertical circulation; and the pier with the gates, waiting areas and fixed links connecting to the planes.
Flughafen Zürich Chairman of the Board of Directors Andreas Schmid said: “The Raumfachwerk proposal was the most convincing from a sustainable, operational, and economic point of view, but also from an urban planning and architectural point of view.”
“The winning architectural design offers a powerful modern expression of Swiss culture, creativity and heritage and is ground-breaking in its sustainability focus, setting new benchmarks in the airport sector. We have a strong start and are looking forward to creating a truly special commercial experience.” – The Design Solution Managing Director Robbie Gill
The Chairman of the Jury responsible for selecting the winning bid, Prof. Harry Gugger, said: “The backbone of the project is formed by a structure that is not just load bearing, but defines and adapts the space, creates a unique atmosphere, and provides a distinctive identity true to its place and era.
“This project marks not only a new milestone for Zürich Airport but for the entire aviation [industry]. The jury was delighted and grateful to endorse such a ground-breaking project that will help to revive sustainable wood construction for great infrastructural projects.”
To enhance the passenger experience, the spaces within the new terminal will use daylight as a natural wayfinding system. A linear skylight – created by the unfolding roof of the pier – will widen towards the central hub and open up into the atrium where all departing, arriving and transferring passengers meet.
Zürich Airport noted that by placing the control tower in the centre of the new dock, the tower will be experienced from the inside as a beacon that creates a Sense of Place, akin to a town square rather than an airport.
The structure, floors and ceilings of Dock A are envisioned with timber as the main material. As a renewable local resource, Zürich Airport said material choice will allow for efficient prefabrication during the construction process while paying homage to the long-standing local tradition of wood construction in Switzerland.
Dock A’s roof will be covered with PV panels while integrated shading will reduce solar heat gain and maintenance requirements. Meanwhile, a combination of water and air-based cooling and heating systems will improve the building’s energy demand.
BIG Partner in Charge Martin Voelkle said: “Despite the complex framework conditions of the existing structure, the design of the new Dock A aims to provide the most intuitive routing possible to bring travellers to their airport gates – and thus their final destinations – with efficiency and ease.”
He added: “Similarly, the visually-calm material palette, natural light, and biophilia help redefine passenger expectations of the typical airport experience.”
The Design Solution Managing Director Robbie Gill, the designated Design Director for the project, said: “In July 2021, we were invited to join the BIG/HOK team that had just been shortlisted for the project with a specific challenge – to work with their stunning architectural concepts and create the best commercial offer ever seen at an airport.
“That assignment began with an exciting opportunity to reimagine the passenger flow through the dramatic new space to support a new standard of passenger experience and help drive Zürich Airport’s commercial performance.
“The winning architectural design offers a powerful modern expression of Swiss culture, creativity and heritage and is ground-breaking in its sustainability focus, setting new benchmarks in the airport sector. We have a strong start and are looking forward to creating a truly special commercial experience.”
Pragma Consulting is supporting the project team on retail strategy. Pragma CEO and Project Director Alex Avery said: “It has been a privilege to provide input on the retail strategy for the design team on their impressive vision.”
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