Marseille International Airport

Marseille airport is located between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence on an inland lake which was the site of the first flight by a flying boat. For over thirty years the airport has been progressively developed on a piecemeal basis to meet short-term requirements. By 1988, with 4 million passengers a year, the projected rate of expansion in air traffic was such that a long-term strategy was necessary.

Richard Rogers Partnership, in conjunction with Atelier 9/ETA, undertook a study to provide a development plan for an area of 16,000 m² that would permit expansion up to 15 million passengers a year. The first phase of this scheme was completed in 1992. RRP co-located with Atelier 9/ETA, setting up a joint office in Marseille for the duration of the project.

The brief required that all arriving and departing passengers should be separated whilst airside, and that security checks on hold baggage could be provided for in the future.

The architects created a strong new image by which the airport could be identified. To assure the clarity and visibility of the functions, whilst at the same time permitting a flexibility for future development and creating a minimum of disruption to the airport during all phases of development.

Upon arrival passengers have a chance to orientate themselves with splendid views over the airport and surrounding hills as they walk along the tube, before descending to reclaim their baggage at ground level.

At the centre of the development is a proposed heart to the airport covered by large lightweight parasol structures that appear to float over the surrounding building.