Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (PMIA)

Description

Introduction
Madinah is located in Western Saudi Arabia. It is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca and the first capital of Islam. The city, hosting the tomb of Prophet Muhammad, is an important destination for religious tourism and attracts each year a large number of pilgrims. The passenger traffic at the airport increased by approximately 21% to 5,7 million passengers in 2014, compared with 2013. The increasing number of passengers led to a phased expansion and rehabilitation of the airport.

Design
The first phase of the expansion includes the construction of a new passenger terminal building. The architecture is well integrated into the existing infrastructure of the airport. The design of airport’s expansion over three phases was made by the GMW Architecture. Their design concept was inspired by the airport’s role as a gateway for millions of Islamic pilgrims and the palm tree, symbol for peace and welcome, has become emblematic in the terminal building. This palm frond was the main source of inspiration for the architectural form and it provides an efficient structural support.
The geometry of the grand canopy refers to the structure of an octagonal family of radiating, intersecting and concentric line-work in resonance with the symbolic working of Islamic geometries and focuses on elegant, modular and spacious interiors. The new terminal and airport is built to the highest international standards and allows an initial operating capacity of 8 million passengers per year.

Textile roofs
Tensaform was involved in the engineering, manufacturing and installation of different textile roofs: Ministry of Hajj Roof, 6 units of Hajj Pavillion Building Roofs, Hajj Baggage Roof, Masjid Courtyard Palm Canopy, Hajj Area Walkway Shading Vault Shade, Bus Stops Palm and Vault Canopy, Carpark Single and Double Module Shade.

Tensaform has chosen for these roof coverings the membrane PTFE Type III B 18089, manufactured by Verseidag – Indutex. A membrane surface of approximately 47.318m² was manufactured by Tensaform at its manufacturing factory, located at Malkara. A team consisting of around 5 technican guys as engineers and 30 supervisors completed the installation. [TensiNews 30 - 2016]

Description of the environmental conditions

General comments, links

www.gmwmimarlik.com/news/view/GMW-MIMARLIK-completes-680m-Medina-Airport-overhaul-on-Architects-Journal/32