International Airport of Thessaloniki

Student : Papaxristos Stergios
Supervisor :  Papakostas George
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Presentation date : February 2013

It is obvious now, the need of extending the International Airport of Thessaloniki, to meet the demand for movement through it. Works are already started for the expansion of one of the two runways that the Airport «Makedonia» possesses, to accommodate larger aircrafts. This in turn, as the increase in passengers, will create the need for new infrastructure and facilities. For this reason, the office «Doxiadis Associates» proposed a new Terminal building. Subject of this diploma design thesis is a new proposal for the new building of the Thessaloniki Airport, the Terminal 2. Goal of the design is the proper operation of the terminal, the proper service for passengers, and create pleasant areas for them, for other users, for employees etc.

concept
One of the primary considerations for the design of this terminal is the simple layout of functions to facilitate the orientation of the traveling public. So, I initially selected the simplest type of terminal buildings, a straight shape, where there can be a simple layout of functions. This type however has a negative point, and this is the small number of permanent parking positions for aircrafts where they can be linked with jetways. This problem is solved by causing a distorsion in shape, creating a curve. After, an additional disfiguring to the shape, creating on more curve, but this time with the opposite orientation, creating an «S», that gives extra dynamism and interest in the shape of the building. Then the shape is adjusted based on the required space of the building programm. The edges get thiner and in the center of the shape where created holes giving natural light and ventilation in the building. Finally, with curving the shape and at the 3rd dimension, will be achieved the desired symbolism of the building, which is dynamism and movement.

symbolism
The new Terminal is characterized by dynamism and motion. The new building represents a new era in the area of Thessaloniki and Greece, an era of recovery, progress and development. With the extension, the International Airport of Thessaloniki «Makedonia» has the ambition to become a major international hub of commercial and tourist importance, affecting positively the whole region of Thessaloniki.