Istanbul’s brand-new airport, called, quite simply, Istanbul New Airport, which partially opens on October 29, aims not only to redefine the country and make access to Turkey simpler. Located in the Arnavutköy district—on the European side of Istanbul, 20 miles outside the city along the coastline of the Black Sea—it sets the record for being the largest airport in the world: larger than the size of Manhattan, at 1.6 million square feet. It is set to completely open by the end of the year, effectively replacing the decades-old Atatürk airport. Eventually, the new airport will accommodate more than 200 million passengers, double the capacity of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta.
The design of Istanbul’s new aviation darling was inspired by the historically rich city and its stunning ancient and modern architecture, and it emphasizes color and patterns and light. The control tower was designed in the shape of a tulip, Turkey’s national flower that became especially popular during the rule of Sultan Suleiman in the 1500s. Tulips were originally cultivated during the Ottoman Empire and subsequently were imported into Holland in the 16th century. The main terminal’s transit hall follows the shape of the Bosphorus Strait.
A vaulted canopy design admits copious amounts of natural light into the terminal.
Committed to being eco-friendly, it has 22 LEED-certified airport buildings that will consume 21 percent less energy and 40 percent less water resources, built with environmentally friendly material. These include windows that have low thermal transmittance that allow much more efficient heating and cooling.
The design of the world’s largest airport terminal under one roof was done by the London-based firm Grimshaw, along with Haptic and Nordic, and features a vaulted canopy dotted with skylights. The inspirations were derived by how light penetrates buildings and the Ottoman Süleymaniye Mosque, somewhat reminiscent of the lattice-like skylight at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Another aerial look at Turkey's new airport.
The airport management company, iGA, says that the ceiling and its geometric patterns were designed to give a lucid sense of directionality. By creating continuous skylights, natural daylight is diffused throughout the terminals, and selected focused beams of sunlight highlight key areas including the check-in, security, and passport control areas, giving passengers a completely natural guidance.
“The ever-changing hues and tones of Istanbul inspire the interior, where a slatted roof is layered to reveal a play of light, a subtle range of blue colors, and a discreet geometric pattern,” says iGA.
Families will enjoy seven large play areas for kids throughout the terminal. Also prevalent are wellness-focused initiatives, with Turkish Airlines spearheading initiatives under the direction of Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Inspiring travel scenes on large screens were designed to make the terminal more friendly and less imposing.
The airport boasts beautiful outdoor spaces that give it a sense of tranquillity.
The control tower was inspired by the shape of the tulip, Turkey's national flower.
The façade of the main terminal.
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