Athens, Greece – Athens International Airport (AIA) is set to undergo a major design expansion, led by the Anemos consortium, which includes renowned firms Grimshaw, Haptic, and K-Studio, among others. The ambitious project, slated for completion by 2032, aims to significantly boost the airport’s capacity from 26 million to 40 million passengers annually. This phased program will be delivered within a live operational airport environment, minimizing disruption.
A Vision Inspired by Athens
Andrew Thomas, Managing Partner at Grimshaw, highlighted the necessity of the expansion: “Athens is a spectacular city that has seen a huge increase in visitor numbers over the last decade, far beyond what its existing airport can comfortably support.” He added, “Our design is inspired by the city: an airport that reflects the past, present and future of Athens, a celebration of its architecture, hospitality and culture.”
Originally designed by Hochtief and completed in 2001 for the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, Athens International Airport is Greece’s largest airport, situated 20 kilometers from the city center.
Unifying Old and New with Athenian Spirit
The expansion project meticulously considers the current architectural context of the airport, proposing extensive alterations and extensions to both the main terminal building (MTB) and the satellite terminal building (STB). The scope also encompasses landside and airside updates, including aircraft stands, gate seating, and commercial areas.
A central tenet of the design concept is to unify the existing airport with the new elements, creating a cohesive architectural whole that embodies the spirit of Athenian life. This is reflected in the choice of materials, the architectural language, and a rich landscaping strategy that infuses daylight into all parts of the terminal building, enhancing the sense of place and intuitive wayfinding.
Sustainable Design and LEED Gold Target
The project is committed to AIA’s net-zero operations target and whole-life carbon commitments. It adopts passive design principles, low-carbon structures and materials, modular efficient construction systems, and renewable energy, waste, and water systems. The project is targeting a LEED Gold standard, underscoring its dedication to environmental responsibility.
Distinctive Landside Identity and New Portals
The MTB’s design along its north-south axis includes a new landside identity to the west. A distinctive, repetitive, and modular façade, characterized by stone vertical fins, creates a “lifted” internal colonnade. Intersecting this rhythm are six new portals – contemporary, light, yet distinct stone forms – that provide order and scale, guiding passengers to the new check-in/departures hall. In this hall, the soffit is also lifted, diffusing daylight deep into this busy transitional space and prioritizing passenger navigation and flow.
Unforgettable Athenian Moments: The North and South Oculus
Two key features of the design are the north and south oculi, which serve as destination points and new dwelling spaces. These extend the existing structure and are accessed via active, flowing, rhythmic street spaces, balconies, VIP lounges, and commercial zones.
The north oculus is the primary space, a rich landscaped Mediterranean garden set within a 24.5-meter-high circular, tiered volume. This impressive space aims to ground the terminal experience and connect it with the city beyond. Entering from airside at ground level, passengers will experience a microcosm of city life, reflecting the hospitality of Athens with an architectural language that guides the eye towards specific environments across the MTB.
The south oculus offers another dwell area with three terraced levels arranged around an atrium. It features generous seating, extensive landscaping, and smaller food and beverage units, creating a unique and memorable experience. Similar to the north oculus, a lifted soffit diffuses daylight across the space, offering long views across the terminal and clear navigation towards the departure gates.
Satellite Terminal Transformation
The STB will undergo a functional change, becoming a dedicated Extra Schengen facility with significant operational and spatial modifications. Linked to the MTB via a tunnel, the passenger circulation areas will be substantially improved. This includes the integration of atrium space, which, following the principles of the MTB, brings daylight into these areas, ultimately enhancing the passenger experience.
The strategy for delivery across both terminal buildings emphasizes a program of modification and extension that will be transformative while minimizing disruption to the existing facilities.
Project Team and Client
The architectural team includes Grimshaw, Haptic Architects Ltd., and K-Studio. Andrew Thomas leads as the Grimshaw Lead Architect. The K-Studio design team includes Dimitris Karampatakis, Michalis Skitsas, Christos Papachristodoulou, Katerina Paitazoglou, Dimitris Eleftheriadis, Adamantia Chelioti, Manousos Kakouris, Kallia Bosinis, Alexandros Kokas, Natassa Kallou, Vasilis Eleftheriadis, Elena Stavrou, Joanne Spyridi, Dimitris Giannelos, Georgia Theiakou, Chrysa Maltezou, and Eftychia Papanikolaou. Leslie Jones serves as the Retail Design Consultant, Triagonal as Wayfinding Consultants, and Plan A handles Design Management. The client for this significant expansion is Athens International Airport.
Source: globaldesignnews.com
