Heathrow Terminal 3 Refurbishment (T3 Futures Project)
London Heathrow Airport, UK · 2004–2008 (T3 Futures Project); earlier refurbishment 1987-1990
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project focused on improving passenger experience, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing security. - The flexible design allows for future development and adaptation of facilities. - The use of glazed facades and ETFE canopies provided a more open and welcoming feel to the terminal.
Key engineering challenges
Minimizing disruption to passengers and airport operations during extensive refurbishment work in a live airport environment. - Designing and installing a 90-meter long, fully glazed facade to improve natural light within the terminal. - Reconfiguring the terminal's forecourt and realigning roads to improve access and create a 40-meter wide pedestrian plaza while meeting stringent security requirements. - Integrating an ETFE cushioned canopy to enhance the entrance area and improve light capacity.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- BAA (now Heathrow Airport Holdings)
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- Foster + Partners (architect for T3 Futures), Buro Happold (structural engineering for T3 Futures)
- Project type
- refurbishment | upgrade
- Scale
- 90-meter long, fully glazed facade; 40-meter wide pedestrian plaza; ETFE cushioned canopy.
- Disciplines
- Civil; structural; architectural; airport consulting; infrastructure; sustainability
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Building Regulations; airport operational standards; British Standards
Sources: Wikipedia: Heathrow Terminal 3 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heathrow_Terminal_3) - Buro Happold: Heathrow Terminal 3 (https://www.burohappold.com/projects/heathrow-terminal-3/)