LAMEZIA TERME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
ITALY

Proposal for rebuilding and extending an international airport in southern Italy.

To ensure full functionality during construction the project has been designed as a series of modules. The modules can be added as new phases are commissioned. This enables fitting out to be performed without restrictions during the rebuilding phase when functions are relocated or expanded.

Once the expansion is complete the airport will be able to cater for c. 3.5 million passengers a year.

The design includes a number of sustainable elements. The roof consists of a combination of triangular shapes. A triangle of solar panels captures sunlight to make a positive contribution to energy use. The panels will be visible from the air and lend the roof a pronounced profile. A second triangle consists of a screen covered in ceramic tiles. Beneath the screen the light is admitted through a double glass facade permitting natural ventilation.

The design was for a competition by invitation. The VLA proposal was drawn up in partnership with Alpina, Milan.