Melbourne Airport T2 Expansion GATES

Airports are great places for people-watching, and at the new T2 Expansion Gates, a completely new 7000 m2 passenger concourse, Architectus has celebrated the theatre of travel.

Arriving passengers pass through a glazed, elevated walkway in the departure lounges with arriving passengers being able to see those departing. The double height departure lounges afford views out to the docked aircraft and runway beyond. The spaces are serene, and the passenger flow clear and intuitive, supporting efficient circulation as well as providing a calming environment for excited, weary or anxious travellers.

The new concourse has been designed to maximize parking space for aircraft and will provide close views of runway activity.

Three of the five new gates will have dual-level aerobridges able to accommodate one super-sized Airbus A380 or two smaller aircraft. These aerobridges will enable passengers to simultaneously embark/ disembark on both levels of the A380 aircraft.

The design starting point was to create comfortable, pleasurable spaces for passengers and staff. The large spaces are heated and cooled through the floor slab, there is an abundance of natural light, and automated blinds will track sun movement to provide shading. Materials have been chosen for their longevity and low ‘off-gassing'. Other initiatives included in the design are rainwater harvesting, solar hot water, and low energy lighting.

Project Sheet

• Project Sheet