The building needed to function as an FBO, Hangar, Exhibition & Events Space and Military area all under one roof. The plan allows for a marketing and conference suite as well as a flexible exhibition space that can be transformed into a banquet hall accommodating up to 450 people or talks for 600.
We introduced two ‘service spine’ elements with support accommodation such as restrooms and kitchens. A double height FBO lounge gives passengers and visiting aviators a memorable experience and a high level of comfort. Adjacent to the FBO lounge, a dedicated two storey VVIP volume provides both privacy and convenience.
With an ATC Tower behind the proposed building the roof had to remain a low profile to allow for uninterrupted sightlines to the airfield. The roof form is fluid while responding rationally to the relevant design constraints, including structural economy. The roof was shaped to help views through the building from landside to airside and to assist rainwater runoff. The column positioning was also carefully considered to maximise views through the building.
The landscape and forecourt concept has been designed as a ‘shared surface’, where hard kerb road edges are avoided in favour of roadway differentiation using contrasting materials. The proposed car parking is given generous separation distances and is shaded by tree planting in a linear pattern that echoes the structural grid of the FBO building beyond. Woven into this regular grid, a one-way approach road follows a curved path that smoothly delivers visitors either to the entrance of the exhibition and events space, or to the FBO entrance at the south end of the building.
Solar protection for most of the day is provided by the oversailing roof. Internal blinds are provided for low angle sun.
