Frankfurt Airport: The new Terminal 3
Germany's largest airport and one of the most important international air transport hubs is starting to get a bit cramped. 53.5 million passengers took off or landed at the Rhein-Main Airport in Frankfurt in 2008. So that it can increase its capacity by a further 25 million passengers, the airport is to receive a third terminal.
The former US Airforce base to the south of the airport offers plenty of room in which to expand. The final design by architect Professor Christoph Maeckler from Frankfurt was chosen in 2005 after a multi-stage selection procedure. Building work finally commenced in January 2009. The first section is expected to open in 2013 or 2014 with the project being completed in 2015.
What does the new terminal look like? The decision was taken to choose Christoph Maeckler's design because of its combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal. And, of course, because he stuck to the budget. A large glass hall is planned for check-in, security checks and shopping / food. The gates are then attached to the hall like spider's legs. Critics claim that the design is too primitive, too functional and too cold.
What does the architect have to say about his design? He describes it as "the growing beetle", as it is designed to be flexible and modular, and can thus grow with changing conditions. "Terminal 3 has the shape of a beetle. It has a head, a neck and a body with legs. These three parts, the hall, the security building and the piers with the central marketplace - are clearly separated from one another and sized according to their role." All sounds great!
Terminal 3 will come into being not far from the Zeppelinheim exit of the A5 motorway. Which means that it will be almost outside the front door of the carathotel Frankfurt Airport. So it will be just a short walk from the hotel to check-in. We are looking forward to seeing how the building progresses and will keep you up to date here about all the latest developments.
Photo credit: © Prof. Christoph Maeckler Architects
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