Terminal velocity

Planning for Auckland Airport's future growth was a key driver in the design of the new arrivals area and new pier project. Principal architect Ken Stanton of Stephenson & Turner says that while the new pier provides two new gates, the design needed to factor in the eventual requirement for 12 gates able to accommodate the new generation wide-bodied aircraft.

"The building has been designed to grow in modules with two new gates added every two to four years," Stanton says. "Eventually, this pier will be 30% wider and four times as long as it is at present."

Stanton says the design was complicated by the airport company's need to maximise gate flexibility, with no wasted space. Consequently, the gates feature MARS (Multiple Aircraft Ramp System) stands, which can accommodate either two small planes or one large aircraft. The design also ensures departing and arriving passengers can still be kept separate.

Stanton says it was also vital to provide a design masterplan for the terminal and its future growth.

"The terminal building is constantly undergoing change, so design consistency and visual continuity are essential, especially in light of the airport company's desire to make the international terminal a flagship for New Zealand."

Working closely with Designworks and Adrian Nancekivell Design, Stephenson & Turner introduced timber ceiling components that appear sporadically throughout the terminal and piers.

"The timber accents help us achieve a design unity, without needing to replace fittings every time there is a terminal upgrade," says Stanton. "They also help to break down the large spaces, making corridor distances seem less lengthy."

Other design features that help reduce the scale of the long corridors include varied ceiling treatments and the use of different carpet patterning elements.

"The design aesthetics have a strong New Zealand component," says Stanton. "In former years, the airport company went for a more international look. Now, there is a much greater emphasis on showcasing this country. We have taken the uniquely New Zealand flavour and stepped it up a notch."

The interior features large panels depicting New Zealand wildlife and plants, including images from the Te Papa museum collection. The mural is designed to tell a story the images lead from the land to the foreshore to the sea, in keeping with departing travellers' journey and vice versa for arriving travellers.

For details, contact Stephenson & Turner, PO Box 1830, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, phone (09) 303 1249. Website: www.stephensonturner.com.

Story by: Trendsideas