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Onwards and upwards:
King Abdulaziz
International Airport
An 80-million-passenger airport
project prepares for lift-off, and Dar
is there guiding it.
by Ali Tabaja, Dal Al-Handasah
Airport projects are complex; however, few are as complex as
the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), among the largest
such project worldwide. The airport is an intermodal hub being
developped in three phases. By 2035, when the project is expected
to be done, the ultimate capacity will be 70-80 million annual
passengers.
As the construction manager, Dar acts as the technical arm of the
client for project management. The company has been given a
deep and broad brief that covers the master plan's review and
update, contract management, supervision of construction, and
management of the area of operation and transfer.
The vision for KAIA is threefold: increasing the country's air
transportation capacity, enhancing the services provided at the
existing airport and embodying the country's economic spirit.
With these aims in mind, KAIA maximizes its locational
advantages. Firstly, the closeness to Jeddah, the gateway to the
Two Holy Mosques, is a big benefit. Secondly, the airport's many
business, education and leisure facilities in the adjacent Airport
City are designed in harmony with the surroundings. Thirdly, the
airport has a transportation center, and high speed rail and light
rail transit connections.
A LEED-Silver target
Environmental care is high on the list of priorities. Sustainability
is being integrated into the design, construction and operational
processes. A Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
(LEED) Silver certification is being targeted, meaning a rigorous
design process, sustainable choice of materials, recycling, and a
commitment to a reduced carbon footprint.
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Onwards and upwards
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