Airport of the future from the point of view of winners of the Fentress Global Challenge 2019

On July 29, Fentress Architects, an international architecture and design firm, announces the winners of the Fentress Global Challenge 2019 for young talent for the seventh consecutive year. This year, the competition condition was an attempt to predict what the airport will look like in 2075. The number of applications submitted is impressive (500!) and more than 50 candidates from around the world participated. Equipped with study of the architectural areas of such structures as airports, the participants refined their skills at every stage, in particular with regard to modern technology, security, urbanization, mobility, globalization, the expediency of the staff and, of course, the experience of the staff.

The competition includes three prize places; the cash reward of the first is $ 10 thousand, the second — $ 3 thousand, the third — $ 2 thousand. In addition, there are two awards in the nomination “People for Choice”, the winners of which will receive $ 1 thousand in accordance.

This year, the contestants presented projects that reflected clear and conceptual thinking, a masterful and professional approach to the task, creativity and bold design. Equally extravagant was the jury. In particular, Curtis Fentress (Principal in Charge of Design at Fentress Architects), Christine Negroni (air safety specialist, journalist, and author of “The Crash Detectives”), Ken Gidlow (Technical Advisor, FAA at the NASA), Khaled Naja (Executive Vice President of Airport Development and Planning).

The first place was taken by the Daoru Wang (USA) project called “Infinity Airport”. The author of the project has thoroughly studied the intense movement of aircraft and presented the concept of the airport in movement. The design of the airport, including its inner part, was also elaborated in detail by the young architect, and the main thing is in harmony with the existing urban infrastructure. For the airport, the designer chose the circular and infinity shape.

Samantha Pierce (USA) finished second with the Newark Airport Biophilic Headhouse and Community Nexus. She well studied the concept of economic analyst John Cassard regarding the aerotropolis (the type of urban area where the airport is located in the center of the metropolis), and suggested its reproduction. Samantha wanted to convey the idea that airports of the future are not only a place of frequent fear, but also an opportunity to maximize involvement in various areas to work.

“The LondonHeathrow2075” project brought Christopher Jones (UK) a third place. He believes that today they are creating airports that would fit the function of smart cities. In particular, Christopher suggested a route that should be located below the airport terminal, which would optimize airplane traffic and waiting times, as well as provide safety and comfort for passengers.

As we can see, the main task of Fentress Architects is to create such architectural projects that would help improve people’s lives. With this aim, the company is recruiting new architects and designers who have a new vision for improving strategic objects for generations to come.