Maldives
Integrated Design Associates Limited
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
 |
Image © Courtesy of Integrated Design Associates Limited |
World Architecture Festival 2011 - Future Project of the Year
The new airport, designated as the country’s second international gateway, is located on an island with very limited land mass for an
international airport of this size.
 |
| Image © Courtesy of Integrated Design Associates Limited |
With airfield infrastructure consuming nearly all the available land our concept of a “floating
terminal” has been selected by the Government for its innovative, exciting and
eco-friendly approach.
 |
| Image © Courtesy of Integrated Design Associates Limited |
The proposed terminal is built entirely on stilts over water without reclamation to preserve the existing environment and the natural coastline. With blue sea, white sandy beach as backdrop the new airport aims to provide passengers with a unique and memorable travel experience. All passengers arrive and leave the airport by boats.
 |
| Image © Courtesy of Integrated Design Associates Limited |
As a single level facility the new terminal is both convenient and easy to use. The modular terminal structure is designed for flexibility to grow according to traffic demand. Its north facing shell-form roofs, made of timber lattice supported on laminated timber arches to evoke the architectural vernacular of the area, brings in abundance of natural light.
 |
| Image © Courtesy of Integrated Design Associates Limited |
Passengers move through the building via covered bridges spanning over water, beaches and wait in lounges nestled amongst
palm trees. The building has 50% of its area outdoor on decking for passengers to witness the rich marine life at
sea level.
 |
| Image © Courtesy of Integrated Design Associates Limited |
Together with the use of
natural ventilation, effective solar shading and hydro-thermal cooling this strategy greatly reduces the need for full
air-conditioning. The
ecologically sensitive design ensures that this will be one of the most energy efficient and environmentally sustainable terminal buildings in the world.
Description from the Architects:
 |
| Image © Courtesy of Integrated Design Associates Limited |
Project Data
Project name: Hanimaadhoo International Airport
Location: Maldives
Program: Airport
Award: World Architecture Festival 2011 - Future Project of the Year
The people
Client / Owner / Developer: GMR Airport Developers Ltd
Architects: Integrated Design Associates Limited, Hong Kong
Environmental Engineer: na
Renderer: Crystal Computer Graphics Ltd
Structural Engineer: Buro Happold Ltd
Images: © Courtesy of Integrated Design Associates Limited
Note>>Location in this map, indicate city/country but not exact address.
