Design revealed for Al Maktoum International Airport
The project is expected to begin the planning phase in 2024, with Phase I due to be delivered by 2032
Austria-based Coop Himmelb(L)AU has revealed details of the architectural statement for the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, planned for Dubai South. The architecture of the new passenger terminal will be a fusion of state-of-the-art design, innovation and sustainability, the firm said.
With Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) as the client behind the Al Maktoum International Airport Project, and Dar Al-Handasah serving as the main consultant for the master planning and design, Coop Himmelb(l)AU is said to be pushing the boundaries of airport design language, incorporating sophisticated structural solutions and energy-preservation technologies.
The project is expected to begin the planning phase in 2024, with Phase I due to be delivered by 2032. The fully completed airport will have a capacity of 260m passengers annually, five parallel runways, and 407 Code-E contact gates, underscoring its intended role as a new global hub.
The design of Al Maktoum International Airport will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) into the user experience; from streamlined check-in processes to leading-edge security, every aspect of the airport has been carefully planned with customer comfort and ease of transit uppermost in mind, said a statement.
Algorithmic processes and parametric design will be used throughout the concept planning and build. These are powerful tools for optimising architectural geometry in order to meet various design criteria, such as daylight analysis, sun, wind, structure grid, and curvature analysis, the statement noted.
Another prime focus is energy efficiency, and a variety of new energy concepts have been considered in the design to minimise the environmental impact of the facility and contribute to its efficient operation. Every step will be taken to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future; the orientation and shape of the terminal are planned so as to take advantage of the sunlight and prevailing winds, effectively maximising natural light sources while reducing glare and heat gain. This not only creates a more comfortable environment for the passenger and users but also reduces the need for artificial energy and consumption.
The total cost of the airport expansion and new passenger terminal is estimated to be US $34.8bn.
