Ready for Takeoff – in Record Time
Terminal 2, Berlin-Brandenburg Airport
One of Germany’s fastest-built terminal projects: The BIM-supported integrated design of T2 meant that we could complete this “fast-track” project in record time. The slender processes enabled us to meet all the requirements of BER – even those that were added later – in a design and realization phase that lasted just 38 months.
A “fast-track” project thanks to integrated design with BIM
The construction of the additional T2 terminal was intended to increase the capacity of BER and help to absorb the passenger volume of T1. We worked together with amd.sigma strategic airport development to draw up a concept capable of supporting the efficient and stress-free processing of up to 2,000 people/hour – while also meeting all necessary security requirements. Integrated design with BIM proved itself to be our recipe for success. It permitted the perfect coordination of all involved design partners and the resource-friendly and economical meeting of all the client’s requirements in such areas as volume, material, and energy.
Just 36 months plus two months of concept development went by between the ‘First Sketch of Design’ and the ‘Handing Over to Operation.’ The rigorous timetable ensured that T2 could be handed-over on time, ready for operation.
Harald Stieber
Engineer, Managing Director in Frankfurt
Functional, modular, and optimally efficient For reasons of both scheduling and cost efficiency, we chose a building structure and facade solution that was as simple as possible. Our objective was to realize a building that would slip smoothly into the existing architectural and technical structure of the airport. We did this by partly turning to a modular structure with prefabricated elements. We also developed an urban planning concept in which T2 is optimally understated as a support building to the main terminal while also harmonically merging into the airport complex.
In order to realize a project of this complexity on time in terms of both standards and functions, the use of integrated design with BIM is indispensable. This saved us a lot of time, ensured a smooth workflow, and has proved itself to be the gold standard for such major projects as T2.”
Anna Kasche
Architect, Managing Director in Berlin
The industrial aesthetic as a creative guiding principle
The architectural language adopts the industrial building aesthetic in order to clearly demonstrate that T2 is a functional building. Industrial design also takes the lead in the interior through the choice of fair-faced concrete and exposed ceilings. The white, highly-resistant mineral-based material of the check-in desks in the departure hall ensures that these are purist eyecatchers, while dark gray gratings act as both visual elements and optical protection. Orientation is passenger-friendly, simple, and intuitive. The color concept corresponds with the signage system of Berlin Brandenburg Airport and was developed in order to differentiate between the various functional and spatial areas. In addition to this, a red metal strip at a height of 3.5 meters guides passengers throughout the building. The two-story T2 has two public passenger halls, an extensive baggage handling system, plant and storage rooms, and offices. It is connected to the existing north pier of the main terminal via two glass bridges.
