High flying geometric design for rhomboid airport

Project: Geneva Airport, Aile Est

Award: Transport, Gold, 2023

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Architect: RSHP

The Aile Est is a high energy-efficiency airport building featuring a wealth of sustainable features including passive design, on-site renewables and efficient active systems.

The glass and steel structure replaces an outdated building erected as a temporary solution in 1975. The new building prioritises natural daylight and has been designed with long-term adaptability and flexibility for passenger flows in mind. A single linear horizontal volume as seen from the airside is a key aspect of the Aile Est’s distinctive image. Colour accompanies the movement and orientation of passengers, marking each module throughout the length of the building.

Design highlights

The passenger flow takes advantage of the building’s striking geometry; arriving passengers walk off the air bridges directly into a vertical “valve” before joining an arrival corridor that runs longitudinally along the façade. Departing passengers enjoy close-up views of the aircraft on stand, airfield and runway with a backdrop of the Jura mountains to the north. Passengers access the East Wing/Aile Est via a glazed bridge allowing them to appreciate its characteristic rhomboid shape.

Photo credit: Joas Souza