The Paragon Walkway at Dublin International Airport
November 2011
Macemain + Amstad has been part of the delivery team transforming Dublin Airport, designing a series of walkways to facilitate the movement of passengers through the airport campus. The movement of people from one location to another is central to public
realm development. In such situations, linkages between buildings or through open spaces become integral to the design of the public realm and the building architecture creating a ‘sense of place’.
Macemain was appointed to detail design, manufacture and install an enclosed walkway based upon their proven ‘Paragon Walkway System’. Utilising in-house 3D design capabilities, Macemain was able to develop a walkway design that would provide clear linkages
through the airport campus and enhance the experience of the passenger. The detailed design incorporated the following principles.
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Continuity – a series of curved and straight walkways that provide clear and covered links for pedestrians enabling them to reach their destination.
Macemain provided 400 m of straight and curved walkways, varying in width from 3 m to 4 m depending on the pedestrian flows. The walkways create clear linkages for passengers between the bus interchange, car parks and taxi ways
through the airport campus.
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Safety – materials that are resistant to vandalism and terrorism, walkways that are free of obstructions, follow the natural topography of the ground, background lighting and are integrated into the open
space to provide natural surveillance and a feeling of openness.
The Paragon Walkways are constructed from stainless steel, powder coated aluminium, opal polycarbonate sheeting, toughened and laminated glass. The design and materials used facilitated the natural surveillance of the walkways
from other areas of the airport campus and buildings increasing the inherent safety of the environment for passengers.
The modular system employed was easily adapted to the differing gradients and profiles on site and integral lighting was provided, achieving ground illumination and complimenting the street lighting scene.
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Comfort – a comfortable and pleasant environment for passengers providing protection from rain, wind and sun.
The roof and side glazing, over the full length of the walkway system, gives significant protection to the passengers from wind and rain and the UV stabilised polycarbonate roof provides protection from the sun. The glass and
polycarbonate provide a natural light filter and create a comfortable environment for passengers.
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Pleasure – an attractive design that enhances the airport campus, compliments the new T2 building and contributes to leaving a positive lasting impression on the passengers.
The Paragon Walkway System provides striking and attractive linkages through the airport campus. The unique wish bone incorporated within the structure creates a distinctive design feature. The stainless steel and glass utilised
throughout the system compliments the main T2 building and contributes positively to the local environment creating a sense of place.
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It is their design team expertise, in conjunction with long-term experience in the provision of walkways and creating quality waiting environments, that has enabled Macemain + Amstad to provide a project management service to its clients that can successfully
deliver a striking portfolio of products that can significantly enhance public realm developments.
Please give Karen Martin at Macemain + Amstad (01536 401331) a call to discuss your project requirements. Alternatively, please visit the website at
www.macemainamstad.com where you can view further product and project information.
T +44 (0)1536 401331
www.macemainamstad.com
sales@macemainamstad.com