Facing a sharp increase in its air traffic, Istanbul, Turkey, is in the process of building a larger, more modern airport. Istanbul Grand Airport recently selected the design consortium formed by architects AECOM and Pininfarina as the winning team for the design and construction of the future air traffic control tower. Recalling the shape of a tulip, the so-called Tulip Tower will rise 96 metres above the planned six runways and three terminals, and be visible to the 90 million passengers expected to fly in and out of the airport during its opening year in 2018.

The Tulip Tower, image via AECOM and Pininfarina

The tower rises from an ample base, whose curves are reminiscent of those found in the aviation and automotive industry, according to the consortium. Indeed, Pininfarina has been involved in car design ever since it was founded in 1930, while the firm also has experience in the architectural scene with a highrise residential development in the works in Brazil. AECOM, on the other hand, has a long history and strong involvement in transportation projects in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada, and the firm has also designed several highrises, such as the highly recognizable Nanning Centre in China.

Aerial view of the Tulip Tower, image via AECOM and Pininfarina

The Tulip Tower was selected out of four other entries submitted by internationally known firms including Zaha Hadid Architects and Moshe Safdie and Associates. While the specific function dictated the size and orientation of each entry, the winning project's tulip-like shape has historic significance. Indeed, this flower has had a strong influence in the country's economic development in the past, and is still highly represented in the streets of Istanbul where a tulip festival is held ever year.

Competition entries for iGA's new air traffic control tower, image via iGA

What do you think about the winning design for Istanbul's new air traffic control tower? Let us know by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page, or by visiting the dedicated Forum thread, linked below. More renderings are also available in the Database entry devoted to the project.