Dock B Zurich Airport

Dock B is the largest construction project within the current sixth construction phase at Zurich’s airport, and at the same time the key project allowing it, after the Schengen implementation, to continue reinforcing its stature as a quality airport.

Following its renovation, Dock B will permit flexible processing of Schengen- and non-Schengen flights at a total of nine docking stations.

The waiting room for the non-Schengen passengers will be on the G0 floor (tarmac level), the waiting room for Schengen passengers on level G1. A visitors’ terrace is planned for the roof-top level G2.

The basis for the architectural approach aims at retaining and using the existing steel structure, parts of which will be expanded and adapted. The existing spatial situation with a building depth of about 48 m and a very low ceiling at the G1 level will be counterbalanced by the extensive transparency of the façade and the additional introduction of daylight via three light wells, measures which not only bring about a significant spatial quality improvement by letting in daylight but also, by means of visual reference points, allow for good orientation within the building. The light wells double as an integral component of the ventilation and smoke-removal system of the building.

The G2 level is characterized by a central, axial arrangement of the technical facilities and light wells in combination with the projecting canopy roof of the visitors’ terrace. By integrating the superstructures of the G2 level into the roof construction, the building in its clean design blends in with the architectural expression of the airport and, as a structural unit, fits in with the overall complex. A key factor is its urbanistic relationship with the central Airside Center whose materiality is also reflected in the interior of the building.

The canopy integrally covers various functions, such as ticket sales for airport tours and a kiosk. In the raised central area of the terrace, it affords the visitors protection from weather conditions, while its recessed outer section offers a full-circle view of the sky.