Sabiha Gokcen Airport Terminal in Istanbul, Turkey

October 21, 2010 Category: Airports, Urban Design

Located in Istanbul, Turkey, Sabiha Gokcen Airport Terminal was designed by Tekeli-Sisa Architectural Partnership, The 227.000m² terminal building serving both domestic and international flights, is complemented with a 128-room airport hotel, VIP Block and multi storey car park. The terminal can serve 25 million passengers per year, before extensions are applied.

A feeling of locality and belonging to Istanbul was the main architectural approach for the design as well as keeping the with the feel of a modern international terminal design. This feeling is enhanced with several interior gardens at the mezzanine level landscaped with local flora and the application of of contemporary Turkish artworks.

The departure and mezzanine floors are covered with 7 arched bays forming a high and spacious volume over the main departure passenger zones. This wavy vaulted form with alternating 32 and 48 mt. spans forms a distinct roofline while the pier block has 8 flexible MARS (multiple aircraft ramp system) gates able to serve alternatively 8 wide body aircrafts or 16 regular size aircrafts.

The terminal has a hybrid structural system. While, the basement floors are constructed with reinforced concrete, the upper floors are built in structural steel. The inner layout provides easily perceivable and shorter passenger routes for improved passenger comfort and satisfaction compared to other similar size terminals.

The building is seismically protected by seismic isolators located between the arrival floor and the basement, ensuring immediate operation following a major earthquake.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport Terminal Design Exterior 2