Purpose of the project and justification of the solution adopted
Included in the project is the expansion and remodeling of the Valencia Airport Passenger Terminal Building, along with the addition of an end dock and the construction of a new Regional Terminal Building.
The proposal generally complies with the requirements of the Master Plan, especially with regard to the Satellite Building and its connection to the existing Terminal Building through the Processor Building.
Both areas, Satellite and Processor, which also includes the distributor to the metro station, make up the new Regional Terminal Building.
Valencia Airport Architecture
Integrated with the metro station, the Regional Aviation Terminal Building is connected on its western side to the current terminal. This connection allows a diaphanous communication. It also maintains the continuity of the departures and arrivals halls, which facilitates smooth and easy circulation for passengers and airport users.
Reinforcing the sense of natural flow, the envelope of the new building enhances the experience both when approaching from the landside and arriving from the airside. This design intensely connects the existing terminal with the end zone of the new building, which functions as a satellite.
Different architectural layers guide the transit from the existing terminal to the gate area in the Satellite. This area culminates in a double-height volume with a glass envelope. Its design provides space for the boarding and arrivals lounges, expanding the perception of the surroundings, both near and far.
Structural Description
The project is divided into two independent structural complexes: the processor area and the satellite area.
The Valencia Airport processor area
Featuring a reinforced concrete structure, the processor uses two-way floor slabs and columns with circular and rectangular cross-sections. For the most part, flat beams are used, although in some cases singular beams are required. Edge beams have been incorporated to bridge the distances between columns. On the second floor, a section of the floor slab has a triangular span exceeding 11 meters at its apex. To support this overhang, a 50 cm thick post-tensioned slab has been designed.
Supported by a main structure of circular tubular profiles of varying heights, the curtain wall is connected to the concrete structure using bolted joints. A secondary structure supporting the curtain wall glass is attached to this main structure.
Made of metal, the roof of the processor area consists of large reinforced profiles up to 1 m high and laminated purlins with a suitable interaxis to support the sheet metal. The geometry of the roof varies in plan and height, adjusting as it moves away from the existing building and towards the Satellite zone.
The satellite zone of Valencia Airport
Designed as a single volume, the satellite area culminates the building with an elliptical floor plan and a cylindrical section laminar roof. Its perimeter is closed by the oblique intersection of planes and cylinders, generating a unique shape. Approximate dimensions of this area are 50×70 meters, with a maximum height of 20 meters. Resting on an inner ring formed by a post-tensioned beam, the roof, a 30 cm thick sheet of reinforced concrete, is reinforced for added stability. This ring is supported by metal pillars that, in addition to supporting the roof, provide horizontal stability to the satellite’s curtain wall.
These architectural innovations and advanced structural solutions make up a large-scale project. The integration of the processor and satellite areas has made the airport a benchmark of modernity and efficiency.
The design of Valencia Airport reflects the city’s dynamism as a key gateway to Europe and the world.