The supporting structures at Ben Gurion Airport
are an integral part of the BGA 2000 project. At its
center is Terminal 3 that replaced Terminal 1 as the international flight
terminal. The masterplan, which
dictated the architectural language, was prepared by Mann-Shinar
Architects, who also carried out the detailed working plans of the main
operational building.
Since the
architectural detailing was carried out by several firms, there was a
need to establish a uniform planning code, which would permit a certain degree
of artistic expression while preventing architectural chaos. Under the guiding
principle, several functions were concentrated under one roof. Keeping in mind
that airport structures are also experienced from the
air, the programme outlined three-dimensional metal
roofs to provide an aerodynamic hi-tech image.
Supporting structures, as
indicated by their name, are intended to provide space
for all the operational and maintenance aspects of the airport. Their location
in two regions surrounding the new terminal from east and west lend them a
frame-like nature, and thus a representational function. Accordingly, the
design approach is unique on an international scale. While in other airports
supporting structures are scattered throughout, in
rather simple structures, in Ben Gurion they receive
special stature. This is, in part, due to their having been
perceived as a working environment for thousands of people who spend
most of their days there in round-the-clock shifts.
As opposed to the linear programme which
lengthened the movement paths in the terminal building, the programme
in the supporting structures emphasized concentration, striving to shorten the
movement of operational vehicles, handling of cargo and traveling of workers.
Consisting of
1000 dunams, of which 400,000 sq.m.
are builtup area, the
supporting area has been divided into five domains:
Domain A - Main
operational structure.
Design: Amir
Mann-Ami Shinar
Architects.
Domain B - Maintenance center,
the main IAA (Israel Airports Authorities) storehouse
and contractor shed.
Design: Uri Shetrit Architects.
Domain C -
Employees’ dining facility.
Design: Sherman-Potash
Architects.
Domain D -
Office building for lease.
Design: Mazor-First
Architects.
Domain F - Ground level storage
and
bus
maintenance center.
Design: Zvi Musasko Architects.
Area G -
Eastern and western entrance gates.
Preliminary design: Dan Neuman Architects.
Final design: Zvi
Musasko Architects.
The design principles of the programme are clearly realized in
domains A, B, &C.
Domain A – Main Operational Area
Naturally, the clearest
interpretation of the planning code is expressed in
this building, which was planned by Mann-Shinar. The
huge structure (700x100 m.) was built as a long shed
covering several sub-buildings and open spaces.
The fact that the structure
borders on Terminal 3 at the end of the runway, establishes it as a transfer
gate between the airside and the landside. The structure is
organized along an inner street from which the different units branch
out. In each independently operating unit there is an
inner courtyard, the center of which is a circular stairwell interconnecting
all its activities. Common functions, such as the club and meeting rooms, are
located at the end of the "street" in a glazed area overlooking the
runway and the terminal structures. Other sections are devoted to the duty free
storage, a fire station, a gas station, and an air-mail
sorting area at the north end.
Area B – Maintenance space, main
IAA storEHOUSE and
contractor shed.
The maintenance building is
located east of the operations building, near the approachway
to the terminal. Although the plan was based on a dictated code, its details
exemplify the freedom of choice it was given. As with the operations building,
this building is also organized along an inner street,
while interior courtyards separate the distinct branches.
Since the west section of the
building borders on the flight courses, all the operations functions face it,
while the stationary ones face east near the main parking lot. The beauty spots
of the building are the supporting beams, the cylinder entrances to the
operations branches, and the well-lit aluminum cover on the upper floor.
Area C – The Central Dining
Facility
This building includes a duplex
dining hall and a modern kitchen which can supply 6000
meals throughout the day.
Located at the east section of
the supporting structures, this building illustrates an extreme interpretation
of the aerodynamic motif. The three dimensional roof creates a sealed arch
facing west, while emphasizing the entrance that opens onto an east square. The
aerodynamic motif is also manifested in the upper
dining hall, where “gliding” acoustical elements cover the ceiling.
Airport City
One of the interesting outcomes
of the supporting areas design code is its influence on the neighboring Airport City. Located east of the airport, the
new private enterprise includes office buildings and logistic structures for
lease. Contributing to the migration of the design code are the proximity to
the airfield, and the fact the Mann-Shinar office was
hired to design a commercial complex and recreation boulevard for the thousands
of employees.
The boulevard was designed as an
abstract carpet along which are scattered three transparent restaurants, water
canals, wood and stone surfaces, grass and greenery.
The anchor of the boulevard is an office structure composed of 4 separate units, in a manner resembling the supporting
structures. Each unit has its entrance, yet they are all
linked by bridges. Like the supporting structures, this building has
round skylights letting in solar spotlights which add
a dynamic dimension. It is noteworthy that the hovering roofs
which appeared in previously planned buildings of Mann-Shinar
are naturally used in Airport
City, becoming an
identifiable connecting motif.
Sagra
Restaurant
The first restaurant completed
along the boulevard is an encouraging example of the use of architectural
qualities benefitting interior design. Following the
success of phase one, this enterprise will probably be
a lively center functioning throughout the day, as with the Science Park
in Rehovot or Ezorim Park in Petah Tikvah.
