



Architect
Grimshaw Architects
Haptic Architects
Nordic Office of Architecture
Location
Istanbul / Turkey
Date
2018 – 2019
Client
Aksal Steel Structure
Sefine
Turkter
Services by PROBE
- Static Calculations and Shop Drawings
- BIM Integration and Coordination with Project Collaborators
Istanbul Grand Airport
Commissioned by the joint venture consortium of Cengiz-Kolin-Limak-Mapa-Kalyon, the Istanbul Airport project unfolded as a monumental endeavor, encompassing a vast main terminal spanning 1.4 million square meters, three independent runways, a sprawling car park accommodating 40,000 vehicles, and essential support facilities such as hangars and maintenance blocks. The global recognition garnered by the airport, with the world’s largest terminal under a single roof and an annual capacity for 90 million passengers, speaks volumes about its grandeur and operational success.
Our involvement centered on elaborately detailing the structural steel elements within the main terminal block and five pier blocks. The central block, distinguished by its “T” shape, spans an impressive 260,000 square meters with typical floor heights reaching 10 meters. The steel roof structure, ingeniously supported at column tips 32 meters above ground level, presented a unique engineering challenge that demanded precision and innovation.
In addressing seismic conditions, particularly in consideration of the high potential for an Istanbul earthquake, our design prioritized exceeding required earthquake and design regulations, ensuring the terminal’s safety and resilience. Our detailed engineering encompassed Tekla Structures modeling of the roof, suspended ceiling, and secondary steel carriers for the glass facades. Collaborating closely with the client’s static projects, we translated conceptual designs into tangible construction documents, including comprehensive shop drawings.
Recognized globally for its excellence, İstanbul Airport has garnered numerous prestigious awards and accolades, including the coveted title of the world’s best airport by Condé Nast Traveler. This visionary project sets a new standard for airport infrastructure, seamlessly blending innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled passenger experience.