Managing the movement of passengers through major transport hubs, while also providing welcoming rest areas, is a design challenge both practical and aesthetic
The 6,000-square-metre airside marketplace in the new Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport, with interiors by LAVA, solves this puzzle elegantly with a pair of bespoke islands that combine greenery with seating.
Fabricated by ROSSKOPF + PARTNER, the sleek HIMACS elements reflect the flowing design language of the project and help bring together complex geometries with the functional requirements of a high-traffic public space.
The new terminal building by MÄCKLER ARCHITEKTEN is designed to accommodate up to 19 million passengers annually. Its modular, expandable concept, known as “The Growing Beetle”, combines efficient passenger flow and clear wayfinding with a high-quality experience, the marketplace being an extension of this approach.
Seating islands marrying material and form
A key feature of the marketplace is its bespoke seating installations.
The two islands made with HIMACS measure 9.1 × 6.2 metres and 7.2 × 5.6 metres respectively, and weigh approximately one tonne.
Built on a plywood substructure, they combine 42 sheets of HIMACS with oak-veneered timber elements, stainless steel and decorative greenery.
HIMACS in Ivory White was selected for the curvaceous exterior cladding, while HIMACS in Coffee Brown lines the interiors, where its earthy tones reinforce the design’s nature-inspired effect.
By combining seating with a garden-like oasis, the installations draw on the principles of biophilic design, making aesthetic connections between people, nature and the built environment.
The design also takes into account the project’s fire safety requirements: the artificial plants are made from flame-retardant materials (B1) and meet the highest standards of safety, quality and design.
The larger seating island required 47 thermoforming moulds, the smaller, 46. “The seating elements have no straight-lines.
The size and weight of the components also presented particular challenges for transportation and precise alignment during installation,” explains Stephan Scholz of ROSSKOPF + PARTNER.
Passenger movement informs the spatial layout
The shape and positioning of the seating islands form part of the overall spatial organisation of the marketplace.
Retail outlets, restaurants and a generous lounge area overlooking the airport apron come together in this central space.
To determine the arrangement of these different functions, LAVA studied passenger circulation routes and waiting times.
Digital simulations revealed movement patterns and potential bottlenecks, providing a basis for the planning process.
LAVA describes the result as an archipelago, with individual islands accommodating functions such as relaxation, dining and information.
Their curving forms and positioning connect passenger circulation with opportunities to pause and relax.
The HIMACS exterior cladding and ‘planter’ inserts are key elements of this overall concept.
Maintenance and technical accessibility
Durability and ease of maintenance are also essential in airport environments. The smooth, non-porous surface of HIMACS makes it both hygienic and easy to clean.
When necessary, it can also be professionally refinished: superficial scratches and signs of wear can be removed, extending the life of the solid surface elements.
Milled ventilation slots are also incorporated into the underside of the seating elements, while integrated panels provide access to for both maintenance work and emergency services if needed.
Find out more about HIMACS here.
Photography courtesy of Taufik Kenan.
Project Information:
Project: Frankfurt Airport – Terminal 3, Marketplace Terminal architecture: MÄCKLER ARCHITEKTEN, Frankfurt am Main | Website: www.chmairport.de
Marketplace design: LAVA, Stuttgart | Website: l-a-v-a.com | Instagram: @lava.futures
HIMACS fabricator: ROSSKOPF + PARTNER AG, Obermehler | Website: www.rosskopf-partner.com | Instagram: @rosskopfundpartnerag
HIMACS Supplier: Klöpfer Surfaces, | Website: www.kloepfer-surfaces.de | Instagram: @kloepfersurfaces
Material: 42 HIMACS sheets measuring 3,680 × 760 × 12 mm; 23 for Island A and 19 for Island B; HIMACS S29 Ivory White and HIMACS S100 Coffee Brown | Website: www.lxhausys.com/uk/ | Instagram: @himacseurope
HIMACS applications: Bespoke seating installations with integrated planted areas
