Project introduction
The project for reconstruction and building of the Bratislava airport terminal was started in 2004 when it became clear that in the imminent future, the airport would not be able to cope with the growth of passengers with its current capacity.
The current architectonic concept for the new terminal is based on the latest trends and uses the most modern technology. It highlights a single outstanding building which will cater to all the necessary functions needed to handle passengers and baggage. It is a dynamic construction of a total ground area of 170m x 70m whose core will consist of the public departure hall spread out over three above-ground levels of the terminal, thus creating a grand scale space covered in glass on all sides. The prominent progressive roofing with its main advantage of natural light throughout the day will be realised across the whole depth of the building.
The specific internal and adjacent external premises which are characteristic of an international terminal give the terminal building its basic image. On the main facade facing the foreground, or the public area in front of the terminal, there will be a prominent BRATISLAVA AIRPORT sign installed on the western part of the building. The public access side is defined by a high facade with an adjacent public internal area, whereas the airside part of the building, with respect to its south-facing direction, has an extended space in the depth of the interior area, i.e. in the transit hall. The pre-entrance areas are covered by suspended consoles (awnings), protruding and breaking up the simple facade mass in a way to best protect from the impact of extreme weather conditions. A special feature is the extended boarding bridges along the whole airport facade length on the departures side of the terminal which will ensure a smooth flow of passengers from the transit hall into the buses. This solution will significantly contribute to the safety of people movement in the movement area and prevent possible collisions.
The layout of the new terminal complies with the operational requirements and needs before and after handling passengers and baggage. The goal was to attain operationally-transparent premises with a simple and fast orientation for passengers.
The ground floor includes the public departures area with passenger handling services. The communication system comprises escalators, a staircase and lifts placed in the central part of the hall. A specific feature of the interior is the alternation of high spaces with areas of standard clear height used as technical service space.
The main area is the public hall which links to the external area of the foreground. It is situated across the whole height of the building and the main verticals connect all the other floors to it. The first above-ground level is used for arrivals and departures. The second level houses service areas and also serves as a second approach towards the departures, and at the same time extends the services in the public hall. The direct route to the departures is by escalators from the passenger handling desks to the third floor. This part of the public hall is meant as a relaxation space and caters to passengers leaving for the non-public departures area. From here the passengers can enjoy a view of the most part of the public hall, the foregrounds and the nearby Carpathian Mountains.
The departures area will provide all services such as cafes, restaurants, shops, mother and child areas, prayer room and other premises.
The new terminal will increase the capacity from the current 2.6 million to 5 million handled passengers and significantly contribute to a higher quality of services and comfort for the passengers using the air transport services at Airport Bratislava.