Rafael Viñoly Architects has unveiled plans for a remarkable new airport terminal. The design in Florence, Italy, is inspired by the local tradition of wine production and will feature a green roof with a working vineyard.
Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci will cover 50,000 m2 and is expected to handle more than 5.9 million international passengers a year.
Vineyard with cellars
The gently sloping vineyard that will be on the roof of the airport is 7.6 hectares in size and will include 38 rows. Obviously, there are challenges related to irrigation and cultivation, but according to the designers, a leading winemaker from the region will maintain everything and produce wine that will mature in specialised cellars under the terminal.
In addition to the eye-catching vineyard, Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci will also extend and realign an existing runway away from the nearby hills that currently limit the flying capabilities of some modern aircraft. Moreover, the arrival and departure areas will be distributed over a large public space in the centre of the new terminal. Attention will also be paid to making the airport easier to navigate for tired travellers.
LEED Platinum
Rafael Viñoly Architects also says the airport will be awarded the LEED Platinum green building standard. Details are scarce at this early stage, but it is known that in addition to the large green roof and overall focus on maximising natural light with generous glazing, including skylights, it will include solar panels. These will be woven throughout the building, including between the rows of vines. In addition, a rainwater harvesting system and greywater recycling will irrigate the greenery and reduce the building's need for drinking water.
The project will be completed in two phases, with phase one due for completion by 2026 and phase two expected to be completed by 2035. It is part of a growing trend lately to add a lot of greenery to airports, both on the inside and outside, such as Jewel Changi and Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport.
