Botswana’s International Airport Takes Form
Design Philosophy/Concept
The terminal building will handle over 800 passengers during the peak hours. Key design elements include the separation of departing and arriving passengers, security screening of passengers and hold baggage that meets international standards and an aircraft parking apron that handles the range of aircraft types that are likely to be in service in Botswana in the foreseeable future. These range in size from the 50 seaters (e.g. ATR-42) currently in use, to the wide-bodied jets (e.g. B747) for inter-continental flights. The design thus has to cater for flexibility and expansion in serviceability.
A further aim is to provide the user with a memorable airport experience. To achieve this, a ‘diamond’ theme was adopted for the building. Diamond imagery is incorporated into many features, such as the roof profile, the glass curtain walling and a design that allows natural light to penetrate through the building envelope into the public areas.
A third aim was to provide a commercially orientated terminal. To achieve this, a careful balance was achieved in provision not only of functional space, but also rentable space in the building, particularly in the prime areas such as the central concourse and the departure hall. This allows retail businesses such as car rental agencies, banks, news agents, food and beverage outlets and duty free traders to offer the public and passengers purchasing opportunities. And in turn, these businesses generate revenues for the airport.
Construction works on the upgrading of Botswana’s Sir Seretse Khama Airport started on 10th June 2007. With a completion period of 23 calendar months, completion is expected to be on 11th May 2010. Currently, much progress has been made as the project is more than half way completed.
Construction Mode
The site is being developed in 2 phases:
The first phase is almost complete and consists of the new terminal building development on a separate site between the existing terminal building and the aircraft apron, together with construction of main car park extensions. Environmentally friendly considerations were also taken into account as many larger trees were not removed in the process of constructing the new car park. When opened, passengers will check-in as before at the existing terminal building and walk to the aircraft apron via a new covered walkway that is already in operation.
The second phase involves completion of the new building over the site of the existing building and for the commissioning of the new terminal building in totality. The structural design of the building consists of reinforced concrete columns and frames, supplemented in certain areas with structural steel supports and frames. The roof consists of steel sheeting and insulation layers fixed on to structural steel elements. The outside membrane consists largely of glass curtain walling and cavity walling. Two tower cranes have been erected to facilitate erection of the building.
Construction phasing minimises disruption and keeps the existing building fully operational during the initial phase of construction
Scope of Works
The overall scope includes a new terminal building and structural works, interior works and decoration, building services, mechanical, ventilation, electrical systems, plant rooms, guardhouse, etc. Special services inside the building include baggage handling systems, communication systems, electronic safety and security systems and a passenger boarding bridge.
The external works consist of car parks , roads, aircraft apron works, water and firewater supply infrastructure, storm water and sewerage mains, a rain water storage tank and irrigation system, landscaping and exterior lighting.
Colours for interior materials and finishes are inspired by aerial photographic images of Botswana landscapes such as the sands of the Kalahari, waterways of the Okavango Delta , Chobe River and the Makgadikgadi pans. The tiled floor pattern inserts are inspired by the skills and products of local basket weavers.
Remarkable Features
This P433.2 million (53.5 million USD) airport bears the name of the first President of Botswana and not surpringly demands ‘Iconic’ architecture to showcase the country. The new terminal building at SSKA will present a new and modern facility at the gateway of Botswana that meets international aviation standards. The building design incorporates images and facilities which strongly promote Botswana and its people.
Challenges
In brief, the major challenge was always (and remains) the time constraint for completion of the project in time for the World Cup event in 2010.
The initial step to maximise the available time was to fast track the tender design. This was successfully done by NACO-SSI allowing a 23 month construction period. The construction programme is an extremely tight schedule, with phase 1 due for completion by November 2009 and the complete terminal (phase 2) by mid-May 2010. There is a one month overlap after commissioning of phase 1 systems, when operations are to be transferred from the existing building into phase 1 portion of the new terminal building – this transfer operation will in itself be a huge challenge for airport management as well as the contractor.
The major procurement strategy was to appoint domestic subcontractors rather than nominated subcontractors, so that all activities and programmes remain the single point responsibility of the main contractor.
Project Team
Main Contractor: SinoHydro Corporation Limited
Project Manager, Architect: NACO-SSI Airport Consultants JV
Quantity Surveyors: Pego Projects
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: G4 Consulting Engineers
Structural Engineers: Pula Consultants (Pty) Ltd
Civil Engineers: SSI Botswana (Pty) Ltd
