Airport Metal Ceilings, Rafts and Discs, Column Casings, Wall Panelling, Architectural Metalwork

Never before has the design and fit out of the transport infrastructure been more in the public eye. Malcolm Stamper of SAS International discusses how the design of passenger-focused facilities has been influenced in recent times.
 
During the next 20 years there is predicted to be a quantum leap in projected air traffic – four times in passenger and six times in cargo traffic.
 
According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) it’s therefore critical that ground infrastructure keeps pace with the growth of traffic. It goes on to say that airports need to be integrated with other modes of transport like railways and highways, enabling seamless transportation to all parts of the country.
 
It is imperative therefore in many countries that procedures improve and facilities grow to match the increase in volume of traffic. Both airport and railway station design can set the tone of how these important facilities could function for future generations.
 
Improvement to transport infrastructure is being mirrored around the world as these important projects set the standard for the future, designed around passenger experience and movement with large sweeping areas allowing for stress free journeys. External/internal linking and ease of access for maintenance and cleaning are crucial for longevity, security and safety and place special demands on material choice and finishes and fit out solutions.
 
The New Build
In the case of the New Doha International Airport (NDIA), scheduled to open in July 2011, the project has been influenced by the significant changes in the aviation industry that have occurred during recent years. These changes include intensification of the airline competitive environment, evolving airline management and passenger handling technologies and new security procedures and technologies.
 
At Doha the vision is being driven by a need to think about long-term capabilities and operator flexibility – to enable success and longevity for future generations.
 
SAS International is working on the extension of the main terminal building and inbound baggage handling facilities. This has required working closely with subcontractor Al Misnad Trading to facilitate the right look and finish, utilising SAS International’s metal ceiling systems and bespoke architectural metalwork solutions.
 
Refurbishment Challenges
As a new build NDIA was a blank slate where as other transport infrastructures require work to reinvent a building to meet current needs. Refurbishment of the existing fabric can be harder than an ambitious new build. Demands for an adaptable and bespoke approach are tantamount. Whether new build or refurbishment, the objective is for elegant but efficient design solutions. London Heathrow is the capital’s aviation hub – it handles flights to over 180 destinations in more than 90 countries. Passengers who regularly travel from Heathrow T4 will notice that the building has undergone a significant transformation following a recent investment of £100 million.
 
At Heathrow T4, SAS International worked with the architects, 3D Reid, to provide  bespoke architectural metalwork solutions as part of the major re-development.
 
The project sees SAS International designed and manufactured bespoke spun aluminium profiled discs, acoustic metal wall panelling and System 600 rafts within the re-developed terminal.
 
Working with and adapting existing infrastructure and building fabric is always a challenge; each project is unique with its own set of criteria to overcome. For these projects to be realised, a myriad of considerations and a unique approach needs to be taken. Major considerations include challenges of strict timelines and programming of works. Site surveys, designs proposed and fabrication can sometimes start almost simultaneously with work being completed outside operating times, causing as little or no disruption to members of the public.
 
Off-site modular manufacture of architectural metalwork products can mean installation is quicker, which causes less disruption to such a busy environment, and in addition there is no waste on site.
 
Acoustic Comfort
The sights greeting passengers from around the world as they arrive at an airport terminal or station concourse are designed to provide a pleasant environment and ultimately ease of flow throughout the building. However just as crucial is acoustic control, a major consideration within these vast open spaces and an essential  consideration for traveller and worker comfort.
 
For example announcements from loudspeakers need to be heard clearly without reverberation of sound. When hard, sound-reflecting surfaces are used this can reflect any noise, causing it to travel long distances and creating nuisance where multiple reflections converge. The creation of such poor acoustic conditions can be alleviated by installing high-performance, soundabsorbing products.
 
A combined perforated and non-perforated metal solution with integrated acoustic pads such as metal wall panelling and acoustic rafts can be designed in a variety of ways to produce optimal acoustic design within an open space of a terminal or station concourse.
 
A Balancing Act
There are different demands from the public these days with public spaces and facilities scrutinised. People expect to see new designs and ideas at a destination alongside their favourite shops and food outlets. A manufacturer who can offer a design service from the outset can help substantially with evolving design plans and challenges on site which can evolve from such major refurbishments. The necessity is to work closely with the architect and engineering firms.
 
The AAI puts these uniquely challenging environments into context citing airports also represent a country’s window on the world. Passengers form their future impression about a nation from the state of its airports.
 
They can be effectively used as symbols of national pride if sufficient attention to their quality and maintenance is paid. The design of these hubs will influence the passenger experience as well as impression of the country. Balancing function with aesthetics will remain the biggest demand when considering products for transport refurbishments. The choice of materials and innovative products all have a part to play in providing a distinct finish to enhance the vision of a truly smooth passenger flow.
 
For further information visit www.sasintgroup.com