As the architecture correspondent for The Times (London), author Marcus Binney travels the world in search of new directions in design and important building achievements. "Airport Builders" stands as a fine compilation of the most impressive airport-related projects to come out of architects' shops in the 1990's.
The beginning section of the book presents a discussion of the primary considerations in airport design today (number of floors, terminals and satellites; carparking, landscaping, etc.) which is thankfully neither ponderous nor overly casual. Following are overviews of 46 airport and terminal projects, with interesting and easy-to-understand descriptions of the problems overcome in each design process, structural considerations and noteworthy aesthetic features for each airport.
This is a book written for architects by an architect, as evidenced by the wealth of plans, elevations, model views, artist renderings and computer-generated perspectives. Each airport/terminal project takes up between two and ten pages (Denver International gets the most), including text, photos and illustrations. The most superb photographs are the large color ones which show innovative roof and ceiling concepts, exterior perspectives, and exquisite interior spaces formed by glass and structural elements.
Aside from being enjoyable to read, the book is well-constructed and printed on quality paper.
