“Airports are gateways to a country or region, and as such why should they not reflect the local culture, surroundings, and materials?” Steve Thomas- Emberson, Author of Airport Interiors
Airports has long been associated to non- places. They are not concerned with identity and they do not relate to the people who use the building or to the surroundings. Can an airport be not only a point of transition from the one place to another, but be part of an eventful travelling experience? Floating FIelds results in an internal setting of a field of reeds as a structural and architectural concept. A framework of these ‘reed-like’ columns that support the steel girders which carries the roof frame stands on the ground floor with departing passengers circulating on the upper floors, giving them a sense of floating above the fields.
Student Name Joanna Hiew Tutors Colin Pugh, Dominic Sagar, Siobhan Barry Studio Unit QED (Quod Erat Demonstrandum)
BEIJING CHINA
TIANJIN ECO CITY
TIANJIN
TIANJIN
BINHAI NEW AREA
螟ｩ豢･ Tiﾄ］jﾄｫn
Tianjin is a metropolis located in Northern China. In terms of urban population, it is the 3rd largest city in China. It is situated at around 177km southeast of Beijing, the capital. Hence, Tianjin is also know as the gateway to North China.
SITE
The site is located in Binhai New Area where it is being developed rapidly as the new urban area of Tianjin. However,there is still a signifiant proportion of salt fields and reservoirs with salt marshes forming the edges along the coast.
NATURAL
ARTIFICIAL Due to the existence of the salt fields towards the west of the site and a natural marshland on the east, the boundary between the artificial and the natural is not strictly defined. The creation of a link between these different elements could articulate the presence of the manmade as well as the natural landscape.
Boundaries between the natural and artificial
ARRIVALS
DEPARTURE
Gates
Passport control
Baggage reclaim
Public transport Check in
Security
Public transport
Gates
Level 3 Mezzanine
Level 2 Departure
Level 1 Arrivals
Basement Level Services The concept of ‘floating above the fields’ is applied in the layout of the airport. The accommodation is distributed over four floors; three above ground for check in, security, boarding, baggage reclaim and baggage handling and an underground level for maintenance. For the departing passengers, the journey begins by ascending the escalators to Level 2 Departure across the bridges. For the arriving passengers, they will descend to the ground floor from the gate piers to the baggage reclaim area before proceeding outwards.
Arrival Flows Departure Flows Service Route/ Fire Escape
This provides a straightforward linear arrangment of spaces and a clear progression for departing and arriving passengers.
Floating above the fields
STRUCTURAL TACTICS The scheme approaches issues of climate change and resource depletion both through its programmatic intent of sustainable flying and construction tactics. STRUCTURAL MATERIALISATION The primary structure is composed of steel members primarily due to the structural performance and the undulating roof geometry. Secondly, there is a potential reuse of this material at a later date. The airport program imposes a necessity to provide flexible structure for the possibility of expansion. The secondary structure supporting inner floors and walls will be of concrete that can provide thermal mass. WEATHERPROOFING The undulating roof , glass facade and foundation systems combine to form a sealed building envelope with rain/ moisture protection. Ventilation within the building is managed via a combination of mechanical systems which expel stale air up to the roof.
Roof plan ORGANIC CURTAIN WALL
TWIN DIVERGING COLUMNS
UNDULATING ROOF
The full glazing system minimises viewing obstruction. The roof also appears to be floating as a result.
In order to minimise the number of columns within the building, the proposed structure spans in both directions which will carry the load of the roof.
The wavy roof consists of openings which allow light to penetrate the building.
DURABILITY In terms the ability of wear and tear, the steel structural frame of both the primary structure and the glazing system are highly strong and durable, giving the airport the longest lifespan if compared to other materials. SUSTAINABILITY Steel, glass and concrete are sourced locally from nearby facilities along the bay. Materials may be recycled and reused. The specification of materials is based on the contextual character and longevity of the materials. The operation and performance of these materials is crucial to the correct works of the proposed environmental strategies.
KEY
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1 Arrivals 2 Check in area 3 Mezzanine lounge area 4 Baggage handling area 5 Baggage reclaim area 6 Airside concourse 7 Services & storage 8 Drop off & pick up 9 Tram stop 9
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BRACC CONSTRUCTION - SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
Aluminium extrusion supported by bowstring mullions
Aluminium extrusion supported by bowstring mullions 7mm thick double glazing
Sealant
ORGANIC CURTAIN WALL The design intention of the facade is to not only to provide a minimum viewing obstruction but also for the building to blend within the natural environment. The different colours of the glass and levelling of the frames removes the monotonous effect that is normally associated to curtain wall systems.
BRACC CONSTRUCTION - SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
TWIN DIVERGING COLUMNS The design intention of light- weightedness and nature is further inspired by the natural form of reeds. By having 4 slimmer columns instead of 1 large column, the heaviness of the structure is reduced visually. These columns rises above the foundation in a straight and lean behaviour before bending slightly to support the steel roof girders, like the swaying reeds when exposed to prevailing wind. Whilst maintaining the 40mx40m structural grid, the columns are designed in such a way that it does not look the same when viewed from a different perspective, providing a sense of being in a natural environment.
Top view
Front view
Side view
BRACC CONSTRUCTION - SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
UNDULATING ROOF The wavy form of the roof naturally calls for a truss or pure beam members. However, having discussed with the structural engineer, beams turned out to be very heavy and trusses too busy visually and usually associated to industrial buildings. In order to give a sense of calmness, a hybrid structure with arched steel box girder rafters, 800mm wide and up to 3.8m deep is proposed. The rafters are spaced at 40m centres. The secondary beams (purlins) span 18m and are 610mm deep steel box sections.
PHOTOVOLTAIC ETFE The roof is composed of various typologies of solid steel panels and transparent ETFEs to allow natural light. Within the ETFE is a PVC film which will further diffuse the light and generate electricity.
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ROOF ELEMENTS 1 Insulated metal lined gutter 2 Primary steel plate girder 3 Extruded aluminium clamping plate 4 Secondary purlins 5 Transparent ETFE cushion 6 Air 7 Amorphous silicon PV module 8 Supporting structure
Vector Foiltec’s Texlon ® Solar Roof Texlon® Solar integrates photovoltaic cells with Texlon© cushions, allowing solar energy to be collected and used to create pollution free electrical energy. The Texlon® Solar cells are made in a continuous roll deposition process and laminated into the upper foils of the Texlon® cushions. The result is unique, flexible, lightweight solar cells encapsulated in the Texlon® cushions, ensuring an exceptionally durable and long life technology.
BRACC CONSTRUCTION - SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
Roof plan
1 Foundations Foundations are piled in for the superstructure. Major groundwork for basement level comprising plant room and storage is carried out in parallel.
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Primary structure Each structural bay is designed to support three steel plate girders held together by secondary beams (purlins).
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Roof panelling With the roof structure completed at an early stage, the internal structure can be constructed in a semi- indoors environment, improving build quality and reducing programme delay bad weather.
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Secondary internal structure The three storey superstructure of the terminal building is completely separate from the roof and facades. This structural arrangement allows the roof to act as a visually unifying element for the building when travellers move within the space.
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Facade cladding A key part of the passenger experience in the terminal building is the ability to look out onto the fields and aircrafts. The facades are thus fully glazed with minimum intrusion by incorporating vertical structural elements. A louvre system is incorporated on the south facade to reduce building cooling loads and consequent carbon emissions.
CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE BRACC 3D DETAILED FACADE STUDY
A LIVING MACHINE The scheme brings together a series of energy sources and systems to operate in accordance to one another. The integration of these elements are crucial in achieving sustainability goals. The idea of being able to clean its own water, recycle and a producing energy from waste is illustrated in the diagram below which acts as a starting point in the realisation of the airport.
Water sourced heat pump
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
Solar
Waste to Energy
AIRPORT TERMINAL
ENERGY CENTRE
Wildlife habitat Rainwater collection
Sorting unit facility
Biogas storage
Digester
CHP plant Biogas
Organic waste transported Reed beds
Non potable water supply
Heat recovered and re-utilised in process
Pre- treatment tank Excess rainwater discharged to wetlands slowly to reduce risk of flooding
Wastewater system
Heat & power distribution
Stormwater system Organic waste treatment system
Seasonal thermal storage beneath runways
Heat & power distribution BRACC ENVIRONMENT - ENERGY
SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH SELF SERVICE & SMART TECHNOLOGY
Heat pump
WASTE
HEATING COOLING
WATER
SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGIES Cooling
The illustration shows how the schematic idea is developed into a network of systems operating within the airport to maintain occupant comfort, provide ventilation and generate power while minimising consumption.
Space heating
SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Hot water
PROGRAM The program of the building is concerned with reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. The building is designed to recycle its own food waste and wastewater as well as performing its operation by self generating energy.
Waste to Energy
SOLAR Photovoltaic ETFEs
ELECTRICITY
Runway thermal storage
Fixed Electrical Ground Power
LIFE SPAN The building has been specified with longevity in mind. The material of steel as structure is selected for its large spans and ability to last. Locally sourced materials such as bamboo is incorporated in the ceiling panels on the underside of the undulating roof.
Lighting
Tenant Consumption
OTHER SYSTEMS Chillers, AHUs & Dehumidication
When aircrafts are on the ground, they require electrical power and cabin conditioning.
Light fixtures made up of reflecting discs bring additional light into the large void space
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lev el
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Power supply is provided for tenant consumption and building operations
Hot water is provided in toilets and kitchen by a CHP system
ETFE photovoltaic array provides additional power for lighting
Public transportation primarily to Tianjin city centre, Tianjin Eco city and Beijing
SECURITY Whilst the terminal building and carparks are open to the public, security systems are put in place to zone semi- public access ie air side concourse and private access ie services and baggage handling areas. BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The BMS will control systems including HVAC, power distribution, CCTV, fire alarm, network communication, UPS, lighting and door access systems.
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Heat store consists of highly insulated concrete container located underneath the runway. Heat produced through the composting process is stored in the runway which prevents deicing, as well as for use of airport heating during the cold winter months
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Roof overhanging and louvres provide sun shading on south facade
Radiant heating and cooling floor systems throughout provided by a water source heat pump
Displaced ventilation diffusers supply fresh air at floor level. Natural convection forces the air to rise to a higher level where it is extracted at roof level. Displacement ventilation reduces energy consumption while increasing thermal comfort and productivity
Environmentally friendly tram system with direct route to Tianjin Eco City
BRACC ENVIRONMENT - ENERGY
Within an energy centre in University of Liverpool 100% organic waste
5% waste into landfill
Biogas Plant
55% energy production (heat and electricity produced to be exported (6070%)
40% high quality compost
30- 40% of electricty produced is needed to run biogas plant
WASTE TO ENERGY By converting waste to energy, the airport is able to provide a holistic solution to managing waste and thereby minimising landfill. Organic wastes from the airport and surroundings will supply the biogas digesters, which through the process of anaerobic digestion will produce methane biogas, which in turn will power a CHP (Combined Heat and Power) plant, producing clean and renewable heat and electricity.
Organic waste Heat & power
The advantage of this system is that the waste heat can be recovered and stored under the runway to prevent it from freezing during the cold winter. As a result, CHP plants can be up to 85% efficient. BRACC ENVIRONMENT - ENERGY
SERVICES INTEGRATION The careful and efficient integration of services is crucial in maintaining the various processes within the scheme. The illustration shows how the services are integrated within the airside concourse. Data and electric cabling as well as ventilation ducts are routed beneath a raised floor system. Arrays of underfloor heating pipes are set within the floor screed underneath. The design of the seating furniture is conceived to reflect the surrounding salt fields . It also acts as diffusers where fresh air is supplied through the ducts from below. At roof level, the design of the gutter is embedded in the primary steel structure which is carried around the perimeter of the roof.
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1 5mm Floor covering 70mm Screed with underfloor heating pipes 1mm Plastic sheet as separating layer 20mm Rock wool Impact sound insulation 150mm Hollow core concrete unit 2 500mm Concrete loadbearing wall 150mm Rock wool thermal insulation 2000x80mm Precast concrete panel with butt joints 3 50mm Asphalt wearing course 120mm Asphalt base course 250mm Road base layer 300mm Sub- base layer Sub- grade
BRACC 3D DETAILED FACADE STUDY
Reedbeds at Heathrow Airport
NATURAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM The hydronics strategy plays a highly important role within the scheme in managing its own waste including wastewater. WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT Usually, greywater and blackwater are flushed away to the nearest sewage plant for chemical treatment. However, the reed beds on site allows the airport to clean its own water and reduce the consumption of potable water. The reedbeds treat and recycle greywater through the natural processes of the reeds. The recycled greywater can then be used for non potable and non bathing uses.
Wastewater Clean water
WATER SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION Main supply arrives on site into a main pump room which houses the metering equipment and stopcocks. The fresh water is then distributed throughout the terminal building and piers. STORMWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM Roof guttering runs along the roof surface and drainage pipework located at each corners of the building to enable collection of rainwater. It is then stored in a tank where it is slowly released to to the wetlands to prevent flooding. BRACC SERVICES INTEGRATION
Heat pipes installation
INTEGRATION OF WSHP
Hot water Cold water
The creation of the constructed wetlands provided opportunities in generating energy through the incorporation of a water source heat pump (WSHP). Water loops are placed beneath each beds with heat being added and rejected from the loop using a boiler and cooling tower. In the winter this process is reversible providing cooling instead of heating. BRACC ENVIRONMENT - ENERGY
Summer Day
Typical displacement ventilation diffuser
Summer Night
Typical Mechanical Ventilation
Displacement Ventilation
HVAC PERFORMANCE Winter Day Due to the high level of noise pollution caused by aircrafts and airport operations, natural ventilation is not practical in an airport environment. Instead, a displacement ventilation system which can be controlled by BMS can provide a comfortable environment for the building occupants. This is achieved by only supplying necessary air at human height, hence reducing energy consumption. With fresh air supply in place, the airport also requires a heating and cooling system for different seasons throughout the year. Instead of heating the space by the ventilatied air, which tends to create discomfort, the fresh air is heated by the perimeter of an underfloor heating and cooling system. Winter Night
BRACC SERVICES INTEGRATION
Natural light
3mm diameter, stainless steel cable hung from skylight
25mm diameter stainless steel bar Pivot with ball bearing
300x300mm prism plate, 4mm thick free moving on pivot
Rainbow
Stainless steel base weight
LIGHTING STRATEGY NATURAL LIGHTING By opening up the baggage reclaim area with spanning bridges, natural light is able to be directed down into the lower arrival level. Although segregated, the visual connection between arriving and departing passengers remain intact. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING Apart from the general recessed spotlights that illuminates the interiors of the building, the chandelier of reflectors provides additional light to the larger void area which also gives the users a sense of direction. BRACC SERVICES INTEGRATION
SEAMLESS PASSAGE BETWEEN AIRSIDE & LANDSIDE
As the departing passengers proceed towards security, the openness between the landside and airside provides a seamless transition .
TOWARDS THE FIELDS & BEYOND
Whether it is the beginning or the end of the journey, arriving and departing passengers are greeted with the view towards the fields and beyond.
CELEBRATING THE NATURE OF THE SALT
Externally, the undulating roof of the airport celebrates the nature of the pile of salts that is harvested by the hardworking farmers.
NOT A TRANSITION, BUT A JOURNEY
The airport becomes not just a transition from one place to another, but a journey such that travellers will catch one last glimpse before saying good bye. Or the first glimpse when they say hello.