SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMÁN, ARGENTINA
TUCUMÁN AIRPORT
SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMÁN, ARGENTINA
CLIENT Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 S.A. / STATUS Under construction / SIZE 16 ha / 40 acres / TEAM Balmori Associates / Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects / BuroHappold Engineering
Benjamín Matienzo Airport (or TUC for Tucuman Airport) is to become the third most important air terminal in Argentina for passenger travel and freight.
The regional landscape experience starts along the 200m long boulevard that cuts through a restored dense native forest. As the terminal comes into sight the boulevard merges with the Ceiba speciose, Silk floss trees loop, which leads to the plaza in front of the terminal. The plaza is a perforated plane with a lush garden shaded with Jacaranda trees.
Circulation, safety, and efficiency is key in the design of drop offs and parking at an airport. With multiple raised pedestrian crossings to reach the Ceiba speciose loop it is as if the plaza spilled over towards the (park)ing. 11 raingardens run through the 600 vehicles parking creating an heavily shaded and pleasant space planted with tall grasses an trees.
The oval-shaped three main buildings (departure hall, arrivals, and concessions) are linked together by a green roof, below which the operational, pre-boarding and baggage handling areas will be built. The strong geometries are intended for visitors to Tucuman approaching by plane.