Re-envisioning an existing railway station as a gateway to a global network
|
Global air traffic continues to double every 15 years, greatly influencing national economic developments. As a result, there is a significant need to upgrade and develop Finland’s air transportation infrastructure. The unique solution proposed by the AiRRport concept addresses the challenge on different scales. It seeks to strengthen the international presence of central or inland Finland and its companies by capitalizing on Tampere’s central location in the Finnish domestic transportation networks, namely rail and highway, and a major node for many Finnish citizens. By seamlessly integrating railways, highways and air transport systems, the work seeks to streamline the process and propose a new way of transportation. |
Location: Tampere, Finland Program: New Airport Concept Status: Commission 2014, ongoing Client: City of Tampere Collaborators: Team: Eero Lundén, Ron Aasholm, Carmen Lee |
AiRRport reconsiders the existing airport terminal structure and systems, and presents a new traffic concept that integrates air, rail and road. The proposal is made possible by modern airport technologies and digitalization. It also employs a point to point transit model. Instead of airport terminals, revitalized railway stations in Finnish cities will act as the new gateway points to the global network. AiRRport envisions a future where an air traveler can check baggage in at the local train station, thus allowing the traveler to journey freely as the baggage is delivered to the departure flight through a separate logistical route. Railways will experience a much needed renaissance as they develop into local hubs for traffic, retail, recreation and parcel services. Nonetheless, the conventional method of checking baggage in at the airport is still possible.
Tampere will become a new kind of airport city. Instead of placing all the airport functions within a confined area, the functions are integrated within a wider area, within the built environment and domestic infrastructure. By transferring trains at the Tampere railway station, one can check in at the station then travel directly to the boarding gate. Travelers at Tampere’s railway station are directly connected with the gates of the Tampere-Pirkkala runway by an automated people mover: APM. To facilitate travel, security checks are performed at the most risk free time, just before entering the plane. This allows passengers to travel more freely and reduces queuing time.
By seamlessly integrating railways, highways, and air transport systems, the work seeks to streamline the process and propose a new way of transportation.