Stansted Airport

Passengers proceed in a fluid movement from the set-down point through to the check-in area, passport control and departure lounges, where they can see the planes. From there, an automated transit system takes them to satellite buildings to board their aircraft.

This was achieved by turning the building upside down, banishing the heavy environmental service installations usually found at roof level to an undercroft that runs beneath the entire concourse floor. This level also contains baggage handling and was able to accommodate a mainline railway station, which was integrated into the building late in the design process.

All services are contained within the trunks of the structural trees that rise up from the undercroft through the concourse floor. These trees support a lightweight roof entirely daylit on all but the most overcast days. This has significant energy and economic advantages, leading to running costs half those of any other British terminal. Stansted is energy efficient, environmentally discreet within its rural setting, technologically advanced yet simple to use and experience.