Client
Flughafen Zürich AG
Planning group
Itten+Brechbühl AG / Grimshaw, London / Ernst Basler+Partner, Zürich / Arup, London
Study contract
1st rank 1996
Start of construction
2000
Start of operation
2004
Floor area
144 000 m2
Commercial area
18 600 m2
Construction volume
810 000 m3
Awards
RIBA International Award 2006 / Swiss Steel Construction Prize 2005 / Excellence in Design Award 2005 / The Structural Award 2005
Photos
Ralph Bensberg, Zurich / Flughafen Zürich AG
At the heart of the airport
Two new buildings, constructed while the airport was in full flow, the Airside Center functioning as an entrance and transit hall, and the new railway terminal as the interface between various forms of transportation, have introduced structural clarity to this labyrinth of an airport.
The Airside Center is the centrepiece of the airport. The building stretches between terminals A and B in a graceful sweep. The large glass front is designed as a display window. The architectural gesture welcomes arriving guests. The interior opens up into a bright, high structure with several floors.
The railway terminal is marked by its ingenious treatment of the light which sets the tone architecturally and influences the signage. The large dome forms the central element.
