Some Historical Architectural Projects and Designs

"Malpensa 2000" Intercontinental Terminal.

The new complex sited 3 kilometres west of the existing Malpensa airport between Milan and Gallarate comprises a four-storey rectangular passenger terminal (600x80 m) and three satellite buildings (two will be completed by early 1998) with mobile docking piers. The interior space (see perspective view) is intentionally "opaque" so that, as Ettore Sottsass says, passengers are not overwhelmed by non-essential information: neutral sound-proofing materials, unpolished stone, plastic laminates and rough plaster finishes in a variety of natural colours.

Nicholas Grimshaw: extension to Manchester Airport terminal.

With no interruption to the airport's routine activity, the existing terminal has been given a two-storey departures, duty-free and business room wing to the west, a three-story services wing to the south and a domestic flights wing to the east. The entire complex is wrapped in unadorned sun-screened glass façades which unify and elucidate its various components.

Sir Norman Foster: terminal, new Hong Kong Airport.

Winner of the 1992 international competition, the new terminal on a man-made island at Chek Lap Kok is part of the new Hong Kong Airport which is being built in stages and currently occupies an area of 515,000 sq.m. The main concrete structure has steel elements at 36-metre intervals which join to form a continuous vaulted ensemble. The huge arrivals lounge is traversed by elevated walkways to handle departing passengers. Its present handling capacity of 35 million passengers annually will grow to 78 million in 2040 when the second terminal is completed.

Jean Nouvel: Congress and Cultural Centre, Lucerne.

Three parallel boxes (concert hall; two conference/lecture halls) of varying sizes and materials linked by a crosswise services block are surmounted by panoramic terraces and the Museum of Contemporary Art. A water garden extends inside the building to create continuity with the nearby lake.

Richard Rogers: Law Courts, Bordeaux.

The seven conical court-room volumes flanking the rectangular penal justice building are grafted onto a large, light-filled main hall, creating a layout that is both functional and imposing, as well as clearly visible from the outside through the glass envelopes of the building.

Offices and chambers are grouped in a separate "opaque" building and the catering facilities are in the historical Witches' Tower. The complex as a whole (existing courthouse, new buildings, national magistrates school) is unified by a large pool traversed by new glass access walkways.

Find resources related to ever changing patterns of Architecture Firm with their Design & Architectural Project for your next architecture structure. Also get updated with Media Marketing Industry for the invention of modern civic life.

Some Historical Architectural Projects and Designs

by Richard Bann.

Disclaimer