Comforting Expansion at Copenhagen Airport

Compiled by TeamIAnD

Photography: Egon Gade; courtesy SHLArchitects

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schmidt hammer lassen architects’ design of the 6,300 sq. m. expansion at Copenhagen Airport  offers a new interpretation of the existing design, innovation of passenger flow and logistics, where the principle of 'nudging' has played an important role. 

28 October 2015 marked the official opening of the expansion of Pier C in Copenhagen Airport, becoming key for the airport's growth strategy for non-European and long-haul traffic, making room for the world’s largest passenger airliner – the Airbus A 380.

 

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Housing three new gates and lounges, the building stands on minimum pillars and very large spans. “We have challenged the traditional gate design by designing the building in a butterfly shape,” informs Partner John Lassen, Schmidt Hammer Lassen. The black rectangular two-storey building has cut-ins in both sides, which leaves room for the aircrafts to gate very close to the building's windows.

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The facade is in black with black trapezoidal plates that also runs past the windows creating a gentle light inside the lounge. The cut-ins and jet bridges to operate the Airbus A380 aircraft, stand as a contrast in white.

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Inside, a “gate boarding” concept has been established for additional capacity and service allowing gate and lounge areas to merge, which not only save time and reduce walking areas, but also provides passengers a better experience. "The black exterior embraces the light interior, where one moves like on a cloud with white marble floors and a light, calm, rational and typical Scandinavian décor. We have created a subdued, contemplative mood, so you can relax before a long haul flight,” informs Project architect Mads Engel, Schmidt Hammer Lassen.

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The calm atmosphere is further highlighted in the arrangement of seating, where on the basis of 'nudging' principles seating is divided in small groups, luring the passengers to take use of the whole lounge area. “As an example, the classic Arne Jacobsen design chairs are only upholstered in the areas along the walls, and different zones are designed with family furniture or high standing workstations,” says Architect Nanna Wohlfeldt, Schmidt Hammer Lassen, who has worked in close collaboration with the client and furniture makers Fritz Hansen and Jönsson on the interior design.

The lighting is subtle except at the large windows in the cut-ins, where daylight flows freely allowing a dramatic view to the aircrafts standing with the bow up close. The grand circular lights are the building’s DNA, defining the spatial waiting area and draws reference to the original airport design in Terminal 2.