The rapid expansion of airports on a global scale clearly illustrates how the world has become a much smaller place, with massive hub terminal buildings seen as the way forward for global travellers.
Whilst London dithers about whether to build a new airport hub, the rest of the world is surging forward and reaping the economic benefits. Years ago, Dubai airport did not feature as one of the leading world airports; however, it has now surpassed Heathrow when it comes to passenger numbers.
Expansion and influences
The global nature of business still requires intercontinental travel. With increased traveller numbers comes the need to provide buildings that can accommodate passengers in transit, their baggage, redundant aircraft, associated machinery and the necessary equipment for keeping a busy airport running smoothly. All airport buildings have to meet strict aviation industry safety guidelines.
Expansion is costly and time-consuming; however, the increased use of tensile structure, particularly in modern airport design, provides an economic and effective solution.
Not only can large structures be quickly assembled but also the nature of the fabric is a protector against extreme weather. Snow ploughs and other clearing machinery can be stored safely in a tensile building; equally, they can withstand the desert heat of the Middle East.
The architectural membrane panels are long-lasting and can be kept as either permanent or temporary structures. They are energy efficient, easily and quickly constructed and the buildings can be easily transferred, as there is very little in terms of steel skeleton. The buildings are modular in design, meaning they can be amended and improved.
Safety
When your going to the airport with your luggage you want to know your possessions are going to be kept safe from the check in to loading the plane. Most travel companies will now put a Security Seal on the baggage compartment before the flight leaves with a serial number on it and then check that on the other end that it hasn’t been tampered with. You can get these from sites like acmeseals.co.uk.
The importance of shelter
Airports provide opportunities to use fabric structures for maximum and memorable artistic effect. Enormous buildings are necessary for aircraft and cargo storage and fabric maximises the benefits of natural light, which is essential for energy efficiency and navigation. Tensile structures have been used for covered passenger walkways, food courts, shopping and dining areas.
Smart building and technology systems are increasingly used to design 21st century airports. Building information technology, which minimises errors in the build process, and technological improvements in the development of fabric architecture will ensure a brave new world for the future of airport design.
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