New VVIP Terminal / VMX Architects

Architects: VMX Architects / Don Murphy
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Client: Schiphol Real Estate
Project Manager: Leon Teunissen
Contractor: Friso Bouwgroep
Structural Engineer: Van Rossum Raadgevende Ingenieurs
Contributor: Hugo Kok
Project Year: 2009
Project Area: 6,000 sqm
Photographs: Courtesy of VMX Architects

The new VVIP (Very, Very Importan People) Terminal at Schiphol Airpot in Amsterdam is where the private and business flights of Heads of States, members of the Royal Family, CEO’s, pop stars and top football players are handled. As a reaction to the inconvenience of flying today with low-cost airways and long queues, VMX found it’s inspiration in the terminals from the era in which aviation was seen as a pleasure and had a luxurious appeal.

Courtesy of VMX Architects

When flying on a private plane it should be possible to reach the plane as efficiently as possible, without long queues and excessive security control. VMX has tried to optimise this luxury by allowing the car to enter the middle of the building at the drop-off, with the shortest distance possible to the waiting plane under a large canopy, sheltering the passenger from rain, wind or the paparazzi.

Diagram

As part of the business case, 4,000 sqm of office space was necessary and was created on the first floor of the terminal. The form of the building and the detailing of the enormous canopy protect the passengers not only from the climate but also from the possible indiscretions of office workers. The sloping facades, windows and canopy allow light to come into the offices and direct the view upwards towards the sky, instead of downwards to the arriving passengers.

Courtesy of VMX Architects

Contrary to the Calvinistic approach in the Netherlands and to the rationalisation of global air travel the building has with it’s silver sequined polyester skin and pink glass deliberately a luxurious feel.