Expansion of Václav Havel Airport in Prague,
design: MVRDV
Václav Havel Airport in Prague, which is the largest airport in the Czech Republic, is getting ready for a big change. The Dutch office MVRDV, together with NACO (Netherlands Airport Consultants), has won a competition to design three new buildings that will expand Terminal 1 and create space for a hotel and conference center across the main access road. This ambitious project will introduce "Bohemian Lanterns " to the airport - buildings distinguished by facades with a dynamically illuminated satellite map of the Czech Republic, combining modernity, ecology and local identity.
Expansion of Prague's Václav Havel Airport - Terminal 1 expansion has been spread over two phases
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
Terminal 1 expansion:
thoughtful phases and design
The expansion of Terminal 1 has been staggered into two phases, which will gradually expand the departure hall in an eastward direction. The first phase will create new passenger areas: a central security checkpoint, a vertiport for vertical transportation, and special business and VIP waiting areas. The buildings are designed based on a hybrid structural system - four solid load-bearing cores support vast open spaces, resembling a table in form. This structure gives great freedom in interior design, both now and in the future.
Expansion of Václav Havel Airport in Prague - the buildings are designed using a hybrid structural system
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
Concrete and steel were used in the construction, but the architects also reached for greener materials, such as glulam beams and lightweight hollow block ceilings. As a result, the facilities will put less strain on the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. The second phase will bring a twin building that will repeat the same structural principles. Its location right on the tarmac is crucial - as the port grows, this space can be easily converted, for example into an additional operations area, without the need for costly structural changes.
Expansion of Václav Havel Airport in Prague - project visualization
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
The facades of both buildings will be glazed, which will open them up to the surroundings. Passengers will gain a view of the airport apron on one side and lush greenery on the other. A natural space with local plant species has been planned between the buildings, which will create the impression of a forest cutting through the security screening area. This solution not only adds variety to the landscape, but also helps regulate the microclimate around the terminal.
Expansion of Václav Havel Airport in Prague - the facades of all buildings will be glazed.
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
security screening: simple and stress-free
The first phase of the project emphasizes streamlining the security inspection process. Instead of winding corridors and unclear passageways, passengers will pass through the area in a smooth and intuitive manner. Access to the vertiport and business and VIP waiting areas will be on the second floor, eliminating the need to traverse multiple levels. At all times, travelers have the aircraft apron in front of their eyes - their destination is always in sight. In addition, the view of the surrounding greenery has a calming effect, which can make it easier to get through the often stressful airport procedures.
Expansion of Václav Havel Airport in Prague - visualization of the facility
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
"Czech Lanterns": technology meets identity
The most distinctive element of the project is the facades of the buildings covered with a satellite map of the Czech Republic. The pattern will appear on roofs, interior ceilings and glass facades, creating a consistent visual motif. However, the glass used in the facades is not ordinary - it contains photovoltaic panels that generate energy for the buildings. Integrated LED lighting allows the map to be dynamically illuminated and even displays information about current events in the Czech Republic, such as festivals or national holidays.
Expansion of Prague's Václav Havel Airport - instead of winding corridors and unclear passageways, passengers will pass through the area in a smooth and intuitive manner
visuals: Atchain © MVRDV
Such a facade serves several roles: it gives the facilities a unique look, promotes energy efficiency (by reducing interior heating) and creates a kind of landmark for the country, visible from afar. The three new buildings will be the first thing passengers see - whether landing by plane or arriving by car, cab or bus. "Czech Lanterns" are likely to become a recognizable sign of Václav Havel Airport, combining practical function with local character.
Airports are increasingly losing their unique identity, and travelers feel out of control of their experience. Prague will be different. As you pass through security, you'll feel surrounded by the greenery of the Czech landscape - both on the ceiling, where its panoramic images will appear, and in courtyards filled with plants characteristic of the Czech ecosystem. This space is meant to give a sense of calm and control.... A moment of respite just before departure.
- Says Winy Maas, co-founder of MVRDV.
Expansion of Prague's Václav Havel Airport - a third building will be built across the main airport road to accommodate a hotel, conference center and parking lot
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
hotel and conference center:
a space with potential
A third building will be constructed across the main airport road to accommodate a hotel, conference center and parking lot. The triangular-shaped plot inspired designers to create a five-story entrance lobby at the corner - this is where guests will be greeted upon arrival. The focal point of the lobby will be a section of an illuminated satellite map of the Czech Republic, which will connect the building visually to the rest of the complex.
As with the terminal, the design focuses on flexibility. The conference and hotel space can be adapted in the future to accommodate other needs, such as additional business or service functions. The parking lot under the building was designed to maximize the use of available space without dominating the surroundings.
Expansion of Václav Havel Airport in Prague - the project focuses on flexibility
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
ecology and future in focus
Sustainability is one of the pillars of the project. Wooden structural elements, photovoltaic panels and lightweight ceilings are just some of the solutions that reduce the buildings' environmental impact. Vegetation around the terminal not only improves aesthetics, but also supports biodiversity and helps manage rainwater. The modular design of all three facilities means that the airport will be able to respond to changing needs - from more passengers to new transportation technologies - without the need for demolition or costly alterations.
Expansion of Václav Havel Airport in Prague - visualization of the facility
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
The new face of Czech aviation
Jiří Kraus, vice chairman of the airport's board of directors, sees this project as an opportunity to create something unique. Cooperation with MVRDV and NACO, internationally renowned teams, is expected to ensure thatthe new buildings meet high standards - they will be modern, environmentally friendly and tailored to the real needs of users. "Czech Lanterns" is not only an expansion of infrastructure, but also a step toward giving Václav Havel Airport a distinct identity that will set it apart from other airports in Europe.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of the MVRDV studio.
