PLACES TO MOVE

The international airport of

Marrakech, Marrakech Menara

-Submitted byDhruv BansalMadhav Singh

There was a time, not so long ago, when airports in major international cities weren’t more attractive than an average industrial warehouse - a fitting environment as passengers in the 1970s and '80s were essentially loaded and unloaded like so much cargo

• Narrow hallways harshly lit with florescent lighting, depressing decor and confusing layouts downgraded a once-glamorous, fashionable adventure into a distinctly pedestrian experience.

• Fortunately, that particularly unattractive era in aviation history is becoming a blurred (and hopefully distant) memory as cities are tapping renowned architects -- and making investments in the billions -- to transform their busiest terminals into fully functional works of art.

While the modern wave in airport design kicked off in Asia (with Beijing, Bangkok, Osaka, Incheon and Singapore all creating soaring, light-infused terminals that could vie for "world’s most exceptional") the rest of the world has taken the trend and run with it.

Now, hubs from around the world are undergoing total transformations, pushing the boundaries of design in inspiring ways while staying true (whenever possible) to local cultures and sensibilities.

Introduction

In this project, the E2A Architecture studio developed a new terminal extension for the airport. The extension presents a space where the light that filters screened by arabesques that cover the windows and eye contact with the outside is constant, a structure reminiscent of typical wire mesh combined with modern touches.

AIRPORT

BUS STAND & TRAIN STATION

LocationMarrakech's international airport is located 6 km southwest of downtown city center and 7 of the Djemaa el-Fna. Buses and taxis to the airport communicate with the urban area.

Concept

The project focuses on three main ideas:

• Give the world a modern vision of Moroccan architecture, not forgetting the traditions.

• Develop a friendly and safe space.

• Through materials and techniques of past and present, apply a new modernity.

A common type of home in Morocco is called a ‘Dar’. These types of houses are found in medina. The exterior of Dar is devoid of any windows or ornamentation. There are small openings in staircases or service areas which provide ventilation and light to the house.

Drawings

Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Roof Plan

Elevations

Sections

SpacesThe terminal has several cafes and a small souk, where you can buy local crafts.

TerminalsIt has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights, but due to the heavy traffic and passenger air takes place in its facilities, is already the third terminal project.

ParkingThe parking area is near the terminals and has a capacity of approximately 360 vehicles.

ServicesThe airport has a chapel and a first aid medical center.

Description & MaterialsIn contrast to the

existing structure, the new space offers a set of lights and shadows in every hour of the day, giving the new terminal a particular brightness.

Balconies overlooking the central lobby of rectangular shape, are at one end one of the bars and newspaper sales and the opposite, offices. These units are accessed by stairs.

FacadeThe renovation of the airport includes a façade made up of 24 diamonds and 3 triangles. Both the triangles located above the entrance doors, with a measure of 12x6 meters as the lozenges are filled with glass ornaments printed with Islamic style.

InteriorThe interior of the terminal is performed as the purest and most ancient traditions of Morocco. In the main site rest areas are equipped with sofas and armchairs decorated with fabrics typical of the region.Following the identity of the facade, diamonds of equal size, forming a white aluminum-coated grating that allows natural light and shape to the terminal.

The contemporary design blends smoothly with the Moroccan tradition that has been preserved in the original terminal whose columns are the typical diamond-shaped tiles in shades of green, raw and a wide range of terracotta. The granite that covers the soil is dark in contrast to the enlargement of color.

Ceiling The roof, consisting of a steel skeleton, flying outwards

creating a patch of shade through an overhang of 24 meters.

This cover 72 supports photovoltaic pyramids, in a package that represents some 15,300 meters square. Small plates imitate the designs of mosaics found in traditional Islamic architecture while allowing light to enter through the skylights. This mosaic pattern masks contemporary technology so that many travelers are only a continuation of the other traditional motifs that decorate the space of the enclosure.

Thank You !