The winning proposal for the largest dock of Zurich airport is composed predominantly of solid regional wood.
The new Dock A and adjacent buildings were designed by BIG, HOK, 10:8 architects, engineer Buro Happold, timber experts Pirmin Jung and aviation consultant NACO.
Expected to open in 10 years, Dock A will include Schengen and Non-Schengen gates, airside retail, lounges, offices, the new air traffic control tower, and an extension of the immigration hall.
“The ‘Raumfachwerk’ proposal was the most convincing from a sustainable, operational, and economic point of view, but also from an urban planning and architectural point of view” says Andreas Schmid, chairman of the board of directors of Flughafen Zürich AG.
Based on the Team’s concept of the ‘Raumfachwerk’ – a robust yet flexible structural framework – the design proposal “celebrates the passenger experience and movement through the airport.”
Located adjacent to the existing Airside Centre and Terminal 1, Dock A is defined by two main areas: the central hub with shopping, airport services for arriving and departing passengers and vertical circulation, and the pier with the gates, waiting areas and the fixed links connecting to the planes. The structure is made from locally sourced timber, and the long sculptural body of the roof is entirely clad in solar shingles turning sunlight into a power source.
“A simple yet expressive design – rooted in tradition and committed to innovation – embodying the cultural and natural elements of Swiss architecture.” Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director, BIG.