The international architecture firm Rafael Viñoly Architects has unveiled plans for the construction of a new terminal at Amerigo Vespucci Airport. According to the designers, the terminal’s design will “reflect local production traditions.” A real vineyard will flourish on its roof.
Following the expansion, Amerigo Vespucci Airport, the second-busiest airport in the Tuscany region, will cover an area of 50,000 square meters. It is expected to welcome over 5.9 million passengers annually.
Named after the famous Florentine explorer, Amerigo Vespucci Airport has its origins in the 1930s, with its first passenger flights taking off in 1940.
A Winery – A Unique Feature of the New Terminal
The architects have decided to establish a vineyard on the roof of the new terminal, spanning 7.6 hectares. The vines will be arranged in 38 rows. The designers and airport officials believe it is essential to involve a leading winery from the region in the wine production. Specialists from the winery will age the wine in specialized cellars beneath the terminal, as reported by New Atlas.
In addition to the winery, which will undoubtedly draw attention to the revamped terminal, the project includes the extension and realignment of the runway. It will be moved slightly further away from the nearby hills, which currently limit the flight capabilities of some modern aircraft.
At the center of the new spacious terminal, there will be arrival and departure zones. As the architects noted, special attention will be given to weary travelers, particularly in easing their navigation through the airport.
Rafael Viñoly Architects also announced that the updated airport aims to achieve the platinum standard for green building under LEED certification. Numerous glass surfaces and windows will allow maximum natural light to flood the space. Solar panels will be integrated throughout the structure, including in the vineyard. Rainwater collection systems and the recycling of wastewater will irrigate the greenery and meet the building’s drinking water needs.
The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2026, with the second phase wrapping up in 2035.
Interestingly, Rafael Viñoly Architects is named after its founder, Rafael Viñoly (1944-2023), a renowned architect of Uruguayan descent who lived in New York. Founded in 1983, the firm has offices in New York, Palo Alto, London, Manchester, Abu Dhabi, and Buenos Aires. Mr. Viñoly designed iconic buildings around the globe, including the second-tallest residential skyscraper in New York and one of the tallest residential buildings in the world, 432 Park Avenue. He grew up between 56th and 57th Streets in Midtown Manhattan, and the building reaches a height of 426 meters.