Ground was broken and the wine was flowing at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport as the first stone was laid for the future Terminal 1 project that once complete will transform the gateway and provide an improved passenger experience and boost traffic.

Chairman of the board of Lyon Airports, Philippe Bernand, was joined by Alain Loyer, CEO of GFC Construction, who are building the new terminal, Graham Stirk, head architect and partner of Rogers, Stirk, Harbour + Partners (RSHP), designer of the expansion, and Lyon regional political leaders.

Once the project is finished it will cover a surface area of 70,000sqm, double the area of the current terminals, and enable the airport to welcome 15mppa by 2020, up from the 10mmpa capacity now. Source by Airport World.

The brief for the project was challenging: to create a new identity for the site that remained in keeping with the high-calibre existing campus and didn’t detract from the distinctive TGV train station, designed by Santiago Calatrava.

RSHP’s solution is a circular building made up of bold, simple and elegant structural elements. The terminal will offer a spacious and clearly defined entrance, a hanging garden and large shopping area at the centre, which will enrich the travelling experience for passengers. Source by Rogers, Stirk, Harbour + Partners (RSHP).