Expansion on way as Madrid-Barajas celebrates 20th anniversary of Terminal 4
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Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport’s Terminal 4.
Since its inauguration in 2006, it has received numerous awards and, arguably, become one of the world’s most recognised terminals and an icon of the new Madrid.
Designed by Estudio Lamela in collaboration with Richard Rogers, the terminal is currently undergoing a €4 billion expansion and refurbishment programme to enhance its facilities and raise the airport’s capacity to around 90 million passengers per annum.
The upgrade, notes Estudio Lamela, will reinforce Madrid-Barajas’ strategic role as a global hub and consolidating Madrid as one of Europe’s main intercontinental gateways.
EXPANSION PROGRAMME
According to operator Aena, the expansion of T4, drafted by the JV formed by Estudio Lamela and AYESA IngenierĂa, Â provides direct continuity with the founding principles of the original design.
The design team say that enhancing T4 this will involve integrating secondary infrastructures into the landscape such as large linear light patios, known as “canyons”; new skylights that will act as transition and orientation spaces for passengers, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and improving the environmental quality of the interior space; improved spacial clarity; and greater flexibility.
“Terminal 4 was conceived as an infrastructure designed to grow over time. Its expansion demonstrates that well-conceived architecture can evolve for decades without losing its identity or its operational capacity,” notes Carlos Lamela, executive chairman of Estudio Lamela.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY TRANSITION
Aena aligns its strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with special emphasis on SDG 13 (Climate Action). The objective is to reach Net Zero Carbon in 2040, with carbon neutrality in 2026 as an intermediate milestone.
At T4, the architects note, building decarbonisation is being implemented through the replacement of cogeneration with power plants, supported by the largest airport photovoltaic field in Europe, currently under construction to the north of the airport.
Electric charging infrastructure for private vehicles and operational handling fleets are also being introduced.
Within the framework of sustainable measures, existing buildings are being certified under BREEAM, and the expansion projects are being drafted with the objective of also certifying them under BREEAM.
Terminal 4 has been praised by multiple national and international media outlets. Indeed, The Guardian newspaper in the UK has described the building as “one of the best works of architecture of the 20th century.”
