Grimshaw Architects chosen for potential London Heathrow airport expansion
The architectural practive Grimshaw has been chosen as the concept designer for an as-yet unconfirmed new terminal at Heathrow Airport, UK.
Despite heavy criticism from public figures and environmental and local advocacy groups over a new runway and terminal, London Heathrow Airport appears to be confident that the expansion will go ahead. On July 19, the airport announced that the architectural firm Grimshaw has been officially selected to design the plans.
The "hub airport of the future"
The London-based firm was named as one of the shortlisted architects back in May 2016, alongside rivals Zaha Hadid Architects, Benoy and HOK. In its announcement, Heathrow explains that Grimshaw's application showed "visionary concept designs, which pushed the boundary of what an airport could and should be" and "unique ideas around how Heathrow could be expanded in a sustainable but affordable way." Grimshaw will work alongside other selected client partners arup, CH2M, MACE and Turner & Townsend.
Grimshaw's concept designs, as well as a brief clip released this week, reveal a new international terminal with a satellite concourse, control tower, urban center and landscaped exterior. As per the brief, the designs show innovative, contemporary lines and an emphasis on sustainable infrastructure. The firm has also redesigned the Central Terminal, which will become the host of Terminal 2, with a large skylight and curving balcony for retail outlets.
The airport is confident that the expansion will go ahead, emphasizing the importance of the new runway and terminal for Britain in the current European climate. Heathrow's head of design Barry Weekes is quoted insisting that "with the concept architect and programme client partners now in place, we are now ready to begin the process of expansion once the government makes the right choice for the whole of Britain."
But with the new prime minister Theresa Lay's constituency Maidenhead strongly opposed to the expansion, the final decision by the Transport Minister, expected in October, leaves room for doubt.
See a clip of the planned extension here: https://youtu.be/6l3Vbyepe6c
