Shenzhen, China
“The organizing principles are functionality and flexibility, with an overarching goal to provide a seamless traveling experience that focuses on passengers’ wellbeing,” states Albert Tong, Aedas Executive Director.
Led by Max Connop and Albert Tong and their design team at Aedas together with GDAD and Landrum & Brown have completed the new Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport Satellite Concourse set directly to the north of the existing Terminal 3 building and a key step in the expansion project of one of the most important aviation hubs in South China.
The new 238,885 square meters Satellite Concourse supports the growing needs of the airport and serves up to 22 million passengers per year.
Arranged on the airport’s central axis with Terminal 3 and the future Terminal 2, the buildings are efficiently connected by the Automated People Mover (APM) system, as well as the baggage handling and goods delivery systems.
Based on the design brief and extensive research, the optimized X-shape plan configuration for the Satellite Concourse allows smooth and efficient airfield operations and creates a delightful travel experience for passengers by means of short walking distance.
The signature streamlined elliptical section gives the concourse its unique appearance and spatial character, whilst also acknowledging the form of existing Terminal 3.
The layout of the roof skylights was inspired by the gently curving rivers of the region, and besides bringing natural light deep into the heart of the building, the pattern of daylight on the ceiling also serves as an intuitive wayfinding device for the passengers from inside the Concourse.
The dynamic external facade shading devices vastly reduce heat gain and, in tandem with internal shading systems, contribute significantly to energy saving.
By employing advanced software optimization, the shading devices were organized into four modular types to save cost and allow rapid construction.
The curved, lightweight double-story curtain wall gives both departing and arriving passengers spectacular, panoramic views of the airport.
The form and design of the elegant fixed-link bridges were considered holistically with the concourse building.
The generous 5.4m internal width and airy feel enhance the bridges beyond their functional role as linkages and appreciably improves the passengers’ boarding experience.
Leaving the APM station behind, passengers arrive in the light-filled, landscaped grand atrium space in heart of the Concourse.
This space and the rest of the concourse are lit by the 1.2km long skylight system, which brings in diffused natural daylight through the perforated diamond panels.
Framed by the warm, triangular timber-toned ceiling, the composition also provides a visual aid to guide passengers toward their gate.
Around the atrium is the multi-level Shenzhen-themed retail and food & beverage experience. Here, the vibrant shop fronts are set against a backdrop with carefully orchestrated materials and a delicate color palette that contribute to the warm and welcoming ambiance.
The “Gemini Plazas” at each end of the retail area has a stunning height of 17 meters.
Animated by the LED screens that surround the triangular feature skylights, they can be used for events and exhibitions to create a truly immersive, Shenzhen experience.
The concourse gate lounges are zoned and identified by four colors evocative of the seasons, adding a splash of vitality to the calm overall ambiance.
“Besides seamless traveling, what we created in the Shenzhen Airport Satellite Concourse is an entertaining and delightful experience for passengers, a new benchmark, and the future for aviation architecture,” continues Tong.
Project: Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport Satellite Concourse
Architects: Aedas and Guangdong Province Architectural Design and Research Institute (GDAD)
Aedas Lead Designers: Max Connop and Albert Tong
GDAD Lead Designers: Chen Xiong, Zhou Chang, Luo Zhiwei, Chen Yiran, Lin Jiankang, Li Qizhen, and Huang Yibin
Airport Planners: Landrum & Brown (L&B)
Client: Shenzhen Airport (Group) Co., Ltd.
Photographers: Terrence Zhang and Chen Yiran
