Philadelphia Airport Re-imagined This project challenges the conventional design of airports, especially targeting on the linearity in program layout, and its efficiency problem as a consequence. Design of the project originates from the structure research under the method of 3D Graphic Statics. The research generated a base structural module with a complex spatial quality of double-interlocking chambers, and the potential of forming a space enclosed all by developable surfaces. As the base module is further developed with information from the program studies of the airport, a circular structure of an unconventional airport terminal design was derived. The circular configuration allows the terminal to provide 12 boarding gates around its circumference. Along the radius from the gate to the center of the circle are 12 sets of departure and arrival service programs, including customs, security, and baggage claim, etc., that are designated for each gate respectively. This arrangement allows the airport to employ a decentralized system that would increase its efficiency, and orient towards a next-generation further digitalized passenger experience.
Instructor: Masoud Akbarzadeh
Pui Lam Penelope Fung, Kailin Wang