Design concept created for Bordeaux Airport Link Building

Chapman Taylor has created a design concept for a new Link Building at Bordeaux Airport.

The 20,000m² project is designed to centralise the welcome, security and retail areas between the two existing terminals at the busy airport. Our design approach creates a very simple, column-free, wooden structure, providing a fluid, no-stress, intuitive path for passengers. The welcoming and relaxing atmosphere is aided by a material palette which makes extensive use of wood, warm colours, soft furnishings and natural light.

This development creates a new landside façade for the airport and a welcome internal connection between the two terminals. Provisions include a centralised security area for all airport passengers, a large, visually transparent and functionally efficient retail and F&B area, abundant seating, places for work or relaxation and a well-signposted “go to gate” process.

The Link Building also houses airline lounges, landside and airside offices for airline and service companies as well as a new centralised baggage handling system. The concept also envisages the refurbishment of the entire airside passenger journey in the existing buildings.

Chapman Taylor applied local and international skill and expertise as well as research-based ideas from across the company to meet the rapidly increasing expectations of passengers. The success of the facility will be founded on the provision of an entertaining, flexible, accessible, inclusive and safe environment.

Allied to this is a sustainable, whole life-whole-system approach to asset design, construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning, all of which are required for effective asset management.

Environmental sustainability is embedded in the project, including the timber structure, solar shading, gardens, white roof and low-consumption cooling system. Many of the materials used are capable of being recycled. Wellness is a key factor informing the Link Building’s design, supported by the choice of materials, the inclusion of planting, comfortable acoustics and natural lighting and ventilation.

The flexible design allows for easy adaptation to changes in demand or technology, including the introduction of interactive virtual systems.

Chapman Taylor’s Paris studio has also ensured that the proposals are fully inclusive in terms of social, physical, cognitive and language abilities and differences.