Helsinki Airport is undergoing a transformative expansion, leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) to enhance passenger experiences and bolster its role as a critical hub between Asia and Europe. The airport's €900 million development program, which began in 2014, is set to double its capacity and significantly improve its infrastructure.
What Happened
Helsinki Airport, managed by Finavia, is in the midst of a €900 million expansion and renovation program aimed at accommodating a growing number of passengers and improving overall service. The project includes a 45% increase in terminal floor space, adding 130,000 square meters, and renovations to 450,000 square meters of apron space. The number of bridge gates for wide-body aircraft will double, positioning the airport to serve 30 million passengers annually. The expansion is not only about capacity but also about creating a seamless and stress-free travel experience, dubbed the 'gift of time' and the 'Finnish experience' by Finavia's Design Manager, Kari Ristolainen.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
The use of BIM in Helsinki Airport’s expansion highlights its critical role in modern construction projects. BIM enables precise planning and stakeholder involvement, allowing for informed decision-making and efficient project management. For the AECM industry, Helsinki Airport’s project underscores the importance of digital tools in managing complex, large-scale developments. The emphasis on passenger experience and infrastructure improvement aligns with industry trends towards more sustainable, user-centered design approaches. The project also signifies a significant economic impact, creating 5,000 permanent jobs and requiring 14,000 person-years during construction.
What's Next
As the Helsinki Airport expansion progresses, key milestones include the completion of new terminal sections such as the South Pier, Plaza, and West Pier, catering to long-haul and non-Schengen traffic. The expansion of Terminal 2, featuring a new entrance and departure halls, is another highlight. Professionals in the AECM industry should watch for further advancements in BIM applications and their implications on project delivery and passenger-centric design.
Source: https://aec-business.com/helsinki-airport-uses-bim-create-best-customer-experience/. Read the original story ->
