Invited International Competition, 1st Prize

Location:
Sonderborg, Denmark

Year:
2024 – ongoing

Flying is the fastest and most efficient connection to the world. It stands for cultural exchange and family connections in an increasingly globalized society. These social aspects contribute to the sustainability of society and need to be preserved in the era of climate change through innovative solutions for flight operations and the associated infrastructure. The vision for the future of sustainable flying is therefore based on a close friendship between nature and technology.

The design of the new terminal building symbolizes flying as a gateway to the world. Inspired by the roof shape of the existing hangar hall, the inwardly curved façades are reminiscent of wings or air cushions. Large, sculptural openings are cut into these forms on the land and air sides, which seem to anticipate the shapes of future aircraft. With their striking projecting roofs, the façades open up to their surroundings and intersect with it.

Although formally similar, the land and air sides show two different faces: the land façade welcomes the departing passengers with a natural wooden surface reminding of the nearby forest. The air side, on the other hand, reflects the light of the wide, flat coastal landscape with its silvery aluminum surface, thus creating a flowing connection to the surroundings and at the same time to the technical world of the aircraft with similarity to the structure of an airplane body. 

Client:
Bitten & Mads Clausens Foundation and the City of Sønderborg

Partners in Charge:
Jürgen Mayer H.
Andre Santer

Team:
Ana I. Alonso 
Dr. Paul Angelier
Lars Becker
Kristina Lilie
Mehrdad Mashaie
Ricardo Nobis
Levian Rannoch
Jens Seiffert

Structural Engineering and Sustainability: Buro Happold, Berlin/Copenhagen