airBaltic Passenger Terminal in Riga, Latvia

October 31, 2010 Category: Airports, Urban Design

That located in Riga, Latvia, airBaltic Passenger Terminal, was designed by Tony Owen NDM Architects, Riga International Airport is currently the centre of a major global architectural competition. 125 projects from over 70 countries are going head to head in an effort to enhance passenger comfort and experience, as the existing facilities are unable to facilitate the 14m passenger that pass through the Latvian capital on an annual basis.

The images featured here show the concept design by Portuguese firm MSB Architects. The dynamic angular entrances and perforated panelled membrane attempt to define the terminal as a ‘landmark building’, whilst the internal elements combine airline aspirations, national charisma, development, passenger flow and technical/operational requirements.

The building lies on a fixed grid generated from the geometries found in Latvia’s culture. This grid defines spaces and passenger routes that inter-play between the main body of the terminal and both piers. MSB believe that the diamond-like configuration and the diagonal grid are fundamental for the development of the terminal, where form is the result of the interior space obtained through a symbolic process.

airBaltic Passenger Terminal design by Tony Owen NDM Architects