[Need dialogue – http://architypereview.com/27-airports-transportation/projects/1135-dublin-airport-terminal-2/dialogue] The Dublin Terminal 2 project is the €609m centrepiece of a ten year investment programme by Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to transform Dublin Airport. Through the delivery of new and enhanced airfield, terminal and campus facilities, it sets the tone for all future development.
Terminal 2 is an innovative project and demonstrates advancement within its building typology.
• It is an iconic landmark building of national importance and greatly enhances Dublin
Airport, the principal gateway to Ireland.
• Its sets new high standards for airport terminal sustainable design.
• It is passenger focused and exceptionally user-friendly, transforming the passenger
experience from utilitarian to one of delight.
• It represents best-in-class for its efficiency of plan, quality of facilities and, benchmarked
against equivalent airport projects, provides excellent value for money.
• It was delivered at the heart of one of Europe’s busiest airports without interference to
airport operations or surface traffic.
• It was delivered through a process that was highly visible, auditable and efficient, fully engaging stakeholders.
• Pascall+Watson architects were responsible for the architectural design from concept to handover. The building represents a culmination of over 50 years experience of airport design for our practice.
Testimony to everything stated above, Terminal 2 has been voted ‘Best Public Building of the Year 2010’ in Ireland and is one of only four buildings in the UK and Ireland to receive a ‘Structural Steel Design Award’ in 2010.
Dublin Airport Authority are delighted with Terminal 2 which meets all of their expectations. To quote Declan Collier, Dublin Airport Authority’s Chief Executive:
‘The design team has created a stunning piece of architecture incorporating great elegance and efficiency within tight budgetary constraints, whilst retaining a central focus on the passengers’ experience’.
Externally Terminal 2 is symbolic and sculptural, suggesting metaphors for flight. The shape was a direct response to the operational requirements and the constraints of the site. The compact plan reflects the optimal process diagram, minimising travel distances and reducing volume.
Internally Terminal 2 feels light and airy, yet intimate for passengers to use.
The 130m long central roof light provides natural light and aids wayfinding throughout the building.
The form and structure were considered holistically, the structure elegantly expressed and articulated with a light touch. The roof sits gently on the tips of slender columns with pencil heads, whilst tension in the diagonal bracing rods appear to pull and shape the steel hub plates.
The marriage of architecture and engineering provides majestic spaces, well lit by natural light from above, and with large glazed walls providing panoramic views out.
From the highest level decisions to the smallest details, the principles established for the design were carried through with a consistent approach, resulting in a high quality feel to the building.
Passengers’ needs were given special attention. Pascall+Watson undertook a benchmarking study across comparable European airports to ascertain best practice in the design of terminal facilities.
Square Footage:
75,000m2 Terminal 24,000m2 Pier
LEED Certification:
• A sustainable standard equal to or better than any similar building type.
• Designed to both reduce energy requirements and energy consumption.
• BRE Green Guide ‘A’ listed materials.
• CO2 levels 17% less than a compliant building design
Construction Cost:
€600m