BUILDING DESIGN GEOMETRIC CONTROL THE NEW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

Reid 3D air traffic control tower of two cones twisted an elegant way

The new air traffic control tower at the international airport at Newcastle is part of infrastructure development underway there, to take account of the airport traffic growth. The new 46m high control tower was designed by 3DReid, following a competition in the sector, with structural engineering and the work carried out by Arup.

The design has been guided by creating a positive impact on the natural environment, through its organic and geometry of the importance. Compared with the buildings square or linear geometry of tapered savings on the walls, roof and space for movement. The conical base and top of the building is solid, connected by a shaft with concrete.

The stem is wrapped in a stainless steel mesh, supported by a steel beam, complementing the geometry between the base and roof of the building. The mesh also varies in density from the bottom up, creating a dynamic building, with the evolution of different weather conditions.

The office accommodation and facilities of the plant at the bottom of the tower has two stories high trunk taper focused on the stem. These plants are column-free, and can be easily reconfigured. Service increased the voids within the

The Visual Control Room cantilevers out from the concrete stem. It was in fact pre-fabrcated off-site, then lifted by crane to fit around the top of the concrete shaft. Fresh air is heated locally at the top of the tower, to avoid having to duct air up and down the concrete shaft.

Chris Davis, Air Traffic Control Manager, comments: “This is a monumental improvement for us. The existing tower, which was completed in 1966, served us well, however a new tower was required to improve site lines. 3DReid has come up with a highly practical, yet beautiful and innovative design.”