When BVN Architecture was commissioned to undertake the recently completed redevelopment and expansion of the Brisbane International Airport, a key aspect of the brief was to design a space that put people first.

Airports can be highly stressful, particularly for passengers when dealing with language barriers, fatigue, security screening, and transit challenges.

Currently around 4.1 million people make their way through Brisbane International Airport each year; but with this figure set to rise to 5.3 million passengers in the next five years, it was important the $340 million extension aided access and mobility, whilst creating a space that enhanced the air travel experience for future users.

The extension saw around 33,000sqm of additional space created at the world-class terminal, with airline processing, retail, customs, security and baggage areas expanded and reconfigured to cater for projected traffic increase.

BVN practice director Geoff Hehir worked on the design of the original building in 1994.

14 years on, as the project’s director, Mr Hehir said it was important to respect and build upon the original design concept but to review aspects that could be improved.

And while he was committed to ensuring project logistics and security measures were well managed (the airport had to remain operational throughout the two year construction period), Mr Hehir said it was vital the end user was at the forefront throughout the design and construction process.

“Airports are a place of great human emotion and are stressful when passengers are unable to easily navigate their way around,” Mr Hehir said.

“The core business of an airport is to process passengers through the terminal as quickly and smoothly as possible.

“So we put an incredible focus on ensuring the airport was easy to understand and a welcoming place to be in.”

According to Brisbane Airport Corporation  Principal’s  Representative,  Dirk Bennink, this was achieved by  opening up and rationalising the terminal’s main spaces  so departing passengers could see more of the airfield through the huge glass façade.

“The layout of the terminal serves passengers particularly well. Upon entering the building at the departures level passengers become immediately aware of where their aircraft await them,” Mr Bennink said.

“This gives the passenger a sense of intuitive way-finding within the terminal from check-in through outbound processing and into the departure and gate lounges.

“This is designed to reduce the stresses experienced during the necessary immigration and security processing and achieves a calm and efficient experience.

Another intention of the design was to create a calming effect through the generous use of natural light and comfortable furnishings.

Mr Hehir said the use of steel and aluminium was minimised and instead natural materials - including timber and leather - in organic shapes and colours were selected.

“The colour palate deliberately echoes the colours of Queensland, including warm desert sand, tan and brown tones,” he said.

“These were contrasted by the brilliant, reflected natural light, from the use of glass windows and skylights throughout, and white floor tiles.

“All of these worked together to create a natural feel rather than the usual artificial environment found is most airports.”

According to Mr Bennink, a key aspect to making the space more user friendly was to create a comfortable and relaxing “airport lounge” experience within the departure lounge and extended concourse.

“While we moved towards hard floor finishes using tiles  and replacing the existing carpets,  the space was softened by using  high quality leather serpentine shaped lounges, ottomans, and inset rugs,” he said.

“We also spent a considerable sum on major public art work.

“These distinctive pieces have been installed at strategic locations within the terminal so that they can be enjoyed by passengers and those who have come to farewell, meet and greet passengers,” Mr Bennink said.

Mr Bennink said the creation of an airport lounge environment was further enhanced by separating the terminal’s retail, food and beverage spaces from the gate lounge areas.

“Prior to the extension, many retail outlets were located along the original glass wall blocking the view of the airfield and detracting from the lounge feel of the original terminal,” he said.

“So we located the majority of the retail outlets in a large, meandering arcade precinct close to, but separated from, the departure and gate lounge areas.

“This gives the passengers the opportunity to experience a lively retail environment or retire to the generously proportioned and more relaxing departure lounge, with its many individual and intimate lounge room settings.”

By separating the two spaces, Mr Hehir said passengers were encouraged to wander around in a more leisurely fashion, further adding to the calming effect created in the terminal space.

Brisbane International Airport is currently Australia’s second largest destination for inbound international tourists and with the advent of the Airbus A380 – which the new terminal has two gates allocated to support – it is set to continue its significant growth.

According to Mr Bennink, the expanded Brisbane International Airport terminal, often recognised as one of the world’s best, has been designed to cater for passenger demands through to 2015.

He said its high quality furnishings, spacious and light filled interiors, quality artwork, modern and timeless interior design and easily extendable building structure, meant it would remain contemporary for years to come and be well placed for future expansions.