CASE STUDY: ZAYED INTERNATIONAL designed so that we can expand capacity in a modular way when needed. The plan foresees the additions of concourses in front of the main terminal connected with an airport people mover, taking current capacity from 45 million to 65 million passengers in phases, when required.” It is expected that capacity will be increased to 65 million over the next 10 years. This growth in passenger numbers is also in line with home carrier Etihad Airways’ plans to double its fleet to 150 airplanes by 2030. One-roof building According to Mustafa Chehabeddine, design principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the lead architect for Terminal A, the new facility has been designed with “unprecedented flexibility” to allow for this future growth and for changes in passenger demands. He explains, “This flexibility has been created by replacing columns with ‘mega-arches’, allowing for future changes within the space. Connection to future satellite terminals is also provided in the current design.” The arches Chehabeddine refers to were not without their challenges. “Terminal A’s one-roof building is supported by 18 long-spanning, leaning arches,” he says. “Constructing the mega-arches, which at their widest point span 180m, pushed the boundaries of construction and required a true collaboration between lead architect KPF and structural engineer Arup. The terminal has set a new standard to create a truly awe-inspiring space and interiors that are urban in scale.” The X-shaped design of the new terminal also set new standards when it came to modeling. “The X-shaped plan was developed using parametric geometry modeling to achieve the best layout for passenger flow,” Chehabeddine explains. “This is a major airport for international connections with a large percentage of transferring passengers. The building form helped create a civic center at the heart of the terminal. Meanwhile, the centralized baggage handling system [capable of processing up to 19,200 bags per hour] has reduced transfer times to as little as 45 minutes, which is best in class.” According to Sorlini, the X-shaped design of the terminal, which also has a centralized security checkpoint, offers a “smoother experience” for passengers. “Working alongside the architects, we specifically focused on creating a terminal Photography above & left: Victor Romero / Courtesy Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) The arrivals hall features the unique Sana Al Nour glass sculpture The X-shaped terminal reduces walking time for passengers ABOVE BELOW where travel is as efficient as possible to eliminate those frustrating long lines and delays in areas like passport control and security,” she explains. “We now have a world-leading, state-of-the-art terminal where passengers can go from the curb to the gate in an average of 14 minutes. The maximum would be around 17 minutes. The feedback from the passengers so far has been extremely positive,” she adds. Technology and sustainability Further enhancing efficiency for passengers, Terminal A will be the first in the world to include all nine biometric airport touchpoints (pre-travel enrolment, check-in desk, self-service bag drop, biometric e-gate, immigration counter, retail, lounge, boarding gate, transit) once fully operational. In the first phase, biometric solutions have been installed in key areas, such as self-service bag drops, immigration e-gates and boarding gates. When fully operational, the terminal will use facial recognition technology to screen passengers and minimize wait times. “We are also planning to deploy biometric solutions in our retail units to make the overall shopping experience easier,” explains Sorlini. “The technology will allow passengers to access airport services without additional identification while providing a more personalized, quick and convenient travel experience, enhancing safety and security.” Sustainability was also a key focus for the team behind Terminal A, and there have been extensive environmental initiatives both inside and outside. The facility is ‘green building certified’ under the Pearl Building Rating System (PBRS), which promotes the development of buildings that are sustainable and improve the quality of life. www.PassengerTerminalToday.com Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) 42 Passenger Terminal World APRIL 2024