THE ROCK BY WARREN AND MAHONEY

The Rock is the last project of an extensive five year two-stage development to increase capacity to meet existing demand and prepare for future growth at Wellington Airport. The new addition has more than doubled the space in the departure lounge and allows the airport to process up to 1,000 passengers per hour.

The design has been described as a pyramid of steel beams that meet at nodal points in mid-air, forming angles and planes that say ‘sculpture rather than building.The Rock interior is a calming haven inside that exudes warmth, with a passionate exterior design expressing Wellington’s vivid culture, environment and history.

Inspired by the environment around Wellington Airport, the angular forms of the terminal make a visual link with the rocks around the coast. The reference to local landform and the introduction of fissures and strata become features that have articulated the form, scale and massing of the design. Earth provides a counterpoint to air and flight, from which many airport terminals’ inspiration is drawn.

Video courtesy of Wellington International Airport Ltd.

READ ALSO: RUDY RICCIOTTI ARCHITECT FROM THE MuCEM MEDITERRANEAN MUSEUM IN MARSEILLE