New terminal for Barajas Airport
The sleek new $7.4- billion Terminal Four at Madrid’s Barajas International Airport is now open. The new terminal, its satellite and two new runways will double the airport’s capacity, making Barajas the second largest airport in Europe and the world’s 10th largest. More than 54 million people came to Spain last year, making it the world’s second most popular destination, and officials are forecasting more visitors will be entering through the new facility this year.
Designed by the acclaimed Richard Rogers Partnership in association with Antonio Lamela, the futuristic, state-of-the-art terminal is spacious, with natural light streaming through the undulating wing-like roof and glass walls. Rogers calls the large light-filled courtyards formed as the roofline dives down to the lower levels, “canyons.” Dramatic glass and steel bridges span these canyons. The rippling bamboo-lined roof is supported by giant color-coded y-shaped steel beams.
With more than five million square feet of space, the main terminal is equipped to handle 20 million passengers a year with 172 check-in desks and 38 gates.
The new structures have the usual cafes, restaurants, retail outlets and something new – a Turkish bath and a 2400-square-foot- spa with hydro massage. A 12-lane road leads to the main terminal – Madrid is only eight miles away – and by May 2007 when the metro is completed, travelers will be able to make the journey to the city center in only 15 minutes.
“Many world-renowned architects – including Richard Rogers – have anointed Spain as the new center for architectural innovation,” says Javier Piñanes, director of the Tourist Office of Spain in New York . “With this state-of-the-art terminal, visitors will see what the architectural community is raving about,” Piñanes explains.
For information about Iberia, go to http://www.iberia.com/.
Report by Chitra Mogul
Chitra Mogul
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