Frankfurt Airport features new marketplace design
Frankfurt Airport features a new marketplace design with unique elements and greenery solutions.
The new Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport features a 6,000-square-metre airside marketplace with a unique design solution. The marketplace, designed by LAVA, includes two bespoke islands that combine greenery with seating, fabricated by ROSSKOPF + PARTNER using HIMACS elements.
These islands reflect the flowing design language of the project and help bring together complex geometries with the functional requirements of a high-traffic public space. The terminal building, designed by MÄCKLER ARCHITEKTEN, is designed to accommodate up to 19 million passengers annually.
Seating Islands and Biophilic Design
The two islands, measuring 9.1 × 6.2 metres and 7.2 × 5.6 metres respectively, weigh approximately one tonne. They combine 42 sheets of HIMACS with oak-veneered timber elements, stainless steel, and decorative greenery. HIMACS in Ivory White was selected for the curvaceous exterior cladding, while HIMACS in Coffee Brown lines the interiors.
The design draws on the principles of biophilic design, making aesthetic connections between people, nature, and the built environment. The artificial plants used are made from flame-retardant materials and meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and design.
Passenger Movement and Spatial Layout
The shape and positioning of the seating islands form part of the overall spatial organisation of the marketplace. LAVA studied passenger circulation routes and waiting times, using digital simulations to determine the arrangement of different functions such as retail outlets, restaurants, and a lounge area.
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The result is an archipelago, with individual islands accommodating functions such as relaxation, dining, and information. The curving forms and positioning connect passenger circulation with opportunities to pause and relax. The HIMACS exterior cladding and ‘planter’ inserts are key elements of this overall concept.
In comparison to other airport designs, the use of biophilic elements and flowing design language in Terminal 3’s marketplace sets a new standard for passenger experience. By incorporating natural elements and providing ample seating areas, the design creates a welcoming atmosphere that can help reduce passenger stress and improve overall satisfaction.
Durability and ease of maintenance are also essential in airport environments. The smooth, non-porous surface of HIMACS makes it both hygienic and easy to clean. When necessary, it can also be professionally refinished, extending the life of the solid surface elements.
Milled ventilation slots are incorporated into the underside of the seating elements, while integrated panels provide access for maintenance work and emergency services if needed. The combination of HIMACS and other materials used in the seating islands ensures a long-lasting and low-maintenance solution for the airport’s high-traffic area.
ROSSKOPF + PARTNER’s fabrication of the seating islands using HIMACS elements has ensured that the design solution is both durable and easy to maintain. The company’s expertise in working with HIMACS has resulted in a high-quality finish that meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and design.
