Projects / Edinburgh Airport ATC

Client

Edinburgh Airport

Project description

An award winning landmark tower design that announces the airport’s location within the low-lying surroundings and signals arrival to passengers. The structure has been adopted by Edinburgh Airport as their logo. The form of the building emerged from an in-depth design study developed using our experience of earlier projects such as Farnborough. The chosen arrangement minimises construction cost and maximise efficiency of operations by placing all technical equipment at the base and freeing up the observation spaces for movement and sightlines.

Innovations & added value

Unlike most ATCs that are often situated deep beyond the airside boundary, Edinburgh sits on edge of the approach road to the departures drop-off, therefore requiring a much higher quality finish and detailing. Diamond shaped aluminium shingles were selected as the cladding, allowing for a fluid form and creating valleys for rainwater dispersal. Technical gear can be removed and replaced via a first-floor ‘drawer’ that frees up ground floor space for office use by National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

Status

Completed

Awards

2006 Saltire Awards – Project of the Year (Winner)
2006 Civic Trust Awards (Commendation)