Press Release
Issued by SkyPark FBO Malaysia.
September 24, 2008
SkyPark Subang Terminal will be a new dominating landmark at the refurbished Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport here when it rolls out an awe-inspiring new design that accentuates the airport as a modern and contemporary icon under an urban rejuvenation programme (URP).
The overall goal is to transform the airport, maximising on the assets, through design intervention and to become a vibrant desitination point for travellers.
In a statement issued today, Subang SkyPark Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Janardhanan Gopala Krishnan said, "Changes in social conventions and the higher dictates of discerning travellers have provided the new dimensions for SkyPark Subang Terminal which is being refurbished at RM40 million."
"The refurbishment is geared to cater to the initial 2.5 million passenger traffic anticipated in 2009. We are working closely with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to meet passenger expectations and delights."
SkyPark Subang Terminal is made up of –
· Skypark FBO Malaysia
· Corporate aviation facilities
· Community airline facilities
"It is a destination that will stand the test of time - catering to a wide spectrum of the population and its wants and specific needs – an airport with a difference," added Janardhanan.
The full refurbishment works of SkyPark Subang Terminal are set to be complete by November of this year.
Subang is not a big airport compared to KLIA or LCCT, but the spend of RM40 million to refurbish the terminal is all geared towards improving passenger comfort and experience and for the convenience of the community around Subang.
Catering for community flyers - on Berjaya Air and FireFly - the airport will be a far cry from what it was during the years it ceased to be the country's primary airport hub.
"After 15 years, it's time for Subang Airport to be back on the world map".
In retrospect, the original Terminal 3 building that was built in 1993 used to cater to MAS domestic routes and became somewhat dilapidated as operations moved to KLIA leaving a few private aviation companies operating from its original facilities.
The new Skypark Subang Terminal has been conceived as part of the complete refurbishment and repositioning of Subang airport as both a regional hub for executive jets as Malaysia's International Aerospace Centre (MIAC) and the home to community airlines - Berjaya Air and FireFly.
Mohamad Faisal Ghazali of design and build consultant, Arcradius Sdn Bhd together with architect Khairul Anwar of KASDA have conceived a scheme to revive the original airport by a complete redevelopment of the interior architecture, creating new mezzanine levels and providing substantial additional space for retail and F&B outlets together with new banking facilities, commercial offices, check in and satellite departure facilities.
Kamal Hussin Abdul Hamid, project director of Arcradius Sdn Bhd, elaborates that the whole scheme concept is based on the dire need for adaptive reuse of the current build resource of Subang Terminal 3.
"Revitalisation of this air terminal is required not only for economic reasons but also for the enhancement of aerospace architecture to follow-suit work done to other Malaysia airports," said Kamal.
Arcradius Sdn Bhd had developed a scheme to retain the existing fabric enclosure of the 150,000 square-foot terminal – by "building boxes in a box" while transforming the interior, which could no longer accommodate the new airport operational needs. The design works from the interior towards the exterior as the new internal usage takes precedent in terms of creating the commercial-like environment instead of being only an airport.
"It's an idea of not taking things for granted," said Kamal.
"In the main terminal, spaces are rearranged by consolidating and creating new mezzanine planes opening into a well-lighted two-storey single volume atrium as an internal garden conservatory. Suspension cables hang from the atrium's metal ceiling and support a huge sinuous suspended ceiling enhanced with fibre optic lighting producing a starry night effect," added Kamal.
"The main intention is to refurbish the existing area into a lounge that spells out comfort and rest, while preparing passengers for departure and pleasantly receiving them on arrival."
Visitors will enter a lobby that is surrounded by terrace balconies separating the retail ground level and the office level on the mezzanines that are reached by open concrete and glass staircases. The splendour of the local tropical theme is brought into the space by using light warm colour on the materials.
The modernity of the commercial aspect can be seen in the use of strong based material as glass and metal interwoven throughout the solid interior walls providing a mall ambience.
Mezzanines are linked to each other by open staircases and surrounded by glass terrace balconies overlooking the atrium, creating a gallery-like ambience. The interior architecture creates an imaginative and invigorating workspace and updates a historic building to suit modern retail and office requirements.
Also situated in the present Terminal 3 of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, is the SkyPark Fixed Based Operation Lounge that has been suited in a full scale fit out as an adaptive reuse of the previous design.
The main entrance of SkyPark FBO Malaysia is enhanced with a proposed portico of a grand scale canopy. Then, the space shall receive the guest via a spacious lobby and where the reception is the first pleasant contact point. The theme is played with a contemporary local design by using water feature and wall feature. The reception area also facilitates a luggage room and a business centre complete with discussion and meeting rooms.
The reception opens out into a large lounge with a private room attached. The service areas are lined along the parameter wall to optimize the space. Subtle and cosy lounge seating is provided in the area for the comfort of guests, complete with ornamented plaster ceiling design.
"This modern tropical theme fits seamlessly into this industrial-like building where a previous double volume hanger can be transformed into multi purpose spaces. Enhanced comfort to cater for future airport volume has been considered in the provision of upgraded ventilation and electrical system," said Kamal.
The new interior shall provide a single volume space with fresh light interiors. The design layout focuses on the customer journey and convenience of the passengers from point of arrival, check-in, retail shopping, F&B until they proceed through to the departure satellite.
"Many new retail outlets shall be represented such as CIMB, Maybank, Pos Malaysia, Big Apple Donut, KFC, Starbucks, 7-11 as well as local delights including Kopi Tiam, juice bars, and an ice cream station. The new mezzanine levels will provide for office tenants such as VistaJet, Malaysia Airlines ticketing, Hawker Pacific and other aviation industry tenants," added Janardhanan.
Arcradius Sdn Bhd also worked in association with international design firm hl design group on the external architectural development, breathing new life into the Terminal 3 shell and marking its transition into a first class new terminal for Subang SkyPark Sdn Bhd.
hl design group who are developing the designs for the future commercial nexus directly opposite the terminal have worked closely with Arcradius Sdn Bhd to create a new external envelope to the Terminal 3 building which provides a fresh new identity, hardly recognisable from the former somewhat industrial building of the 90's. The rejuvenation of the area with a focus on providing community facilities in a lifestyle environment will create a new unique destination in Subang.
hl design group associate director, Matthew Allen, the design leader for the external scheme said, "With minimum interference to the existing structure and operations of the building, we have attempted to transform its identity using a bold form, strong dynamic lines and clean simple details which are the essence of aviation."
The unique new profile of the external shell of the building is derived from aerodynamic forms; strong curved lines have completely concealed the original 'box like' exterior to create a bold contemporary statement as one approaches the new terminal.
White metal cladding panels wrap the exterior shell to form a new skin whilst a large continuous canopy structure is elegantly projected from the building, part cantilevered on minimal structure. Unlike the original smaller porte corches, the new SkyPark Subang Terminal canopy runs the full length of the terminal building, providing a fully covered drop-off for passengers whether arriving by private car, public bus or taxi. The sectional form of the canopy is intended to be reminiscent of the take-off path of an aircraft and further reflects Subang SkyPark's distinctive identity.
The terminal shall be linked by elevated bridge to a new commercial nexus opposite. As such passengers ultimately shall be able to park in a new covered parking building opposite and enjoy a seamless shopping and dining experience from the moment they park their car until they check-in at the new terminal.
Martin Haeger, director of hl design group noted that the customer experience in airline travel commences from the moment one arrives at the terminal building.
"It is not just about getting on the aeroplane. The arrival and drop-off experience and the way finding through the building, the check-in and the broad range of facilities offered are all part of this experience," said Martin.
In the past decade, airports internationally have been developed and re-built all over the world, setting new standards and expectations from international travellers. It is important to recognise that any new design needs to be relevant not just on opening day, but for the next 15-20 years.
"Therefore, it must have an aesthetic which can stand the test of time. The aviation industry is the epitome of advanced technology, so the identity of this airport must reflect an image that is state-of-the-art and of its time," added Martin.
