International design practice Benoy has been appointed to the Bahrain International Airport’s new terminal development to provide services for the interior design of the new passenger terminal building as part of the ‘Bahrain Airport Modernisation Programme’.

The considerable expansion will increase Bahrain International Airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers per year. Four times larger than the current airport, the future 200,000-sq-m terminal will serve as a gateway to Bahrain once complete in 2019.
 
Head of Benoy’s Mena Studios Paul Priest said: “Benoy is honoured to be working with Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Bahrain Airport Company on their vision for the future of the country. By applying our knowledge of the region with our expertise across aviation, hospitality and retail, we have helped to shape this terminal into a boutique experience for guests travelling to and from the kingdom.”
 
The concept design for the terminal interiors has drawn on the natural assets and culture of Bahrain. The landscape of the island nation has had an influence on the colour palette and form of the interiors. Geometric motifs and traditional crafts such as basket weaving have also been subtly referenced through fractal patterns and installations.
 
“We wanted the design language to symbolise the many facets of Bahrain. The airport has the technology and modern facilities which all travellers have come to expect, however, we didn’t want to lose the rich identity of this country in the process. Our design has ensured that when guests enter the terminal, they will know they have arrived in Bahrain,” said Craig Menzies, director at Benoy.
 
‘Gateways’ are an integral part of the design and have helped Benoy enhance the visual experience of the passengers and guests. The departure and arrival journeys have been framed by grand portals and entrances which accentuate the transition between different functions of the terminal route, from check-in to immigration, for example.
 
New and improved state-of-the-art technology will be introduced throughout the airport to maintain safety and security, improve passenger convenience and speed up processes from check-in to boarding. Separate dedicated premium class facilities and an extensive retail, food and beverage and duty free zone will add to the additional offers of the new terminal.
 
“The airport experience is changing. Airports are being seen as more than just transport facilities; they are now destinations in their own right. As the sector evolves towards more user-centric and commercially aware designs, Benoy’s proven portfolio of creating thriving and successful ‘Places for people’ around the world is becoming ever more relevant,” Craig said.
 
Benoy’s scope on the development runs from concept design to documentation for the interior design of the public spaces across the terminal.
 
Extending its aviation expertise around the world, Benoy is currently delivering Singapore Airport’s two major developments, Terminal 4 and Jewel Changi Airport as well as the Retail Planning on the New Beijing Airport Terminal. The firm’s portfolio also includes the 2010 upgrade of Hong Kong International Airport.
 
Well established in the Mena region, Benoy is also delivering the Concept Masterplan for the prestigious Bahrain Marina. - TradeArabia News Service