Sea Rescue Facility Design for the Airport Adjacent to Sea - Focused on Middle East Area -

(Background and Purpose) Newly constructed airports are often located on reclaimed land, since it is more practical and viable to plan new facilities that can accommodate a wide range of programs and areas for various elements, with height restrictions near runways required for airport operations. All airports within a certain critical proximity to water are required by international aviation standards to include a search and rescue plan in their Airport Emergency Operations Plan. By proposing purpose-built, state-of-the-art sea rescue facilities, this design will serve as a successful precedent, setting a new international standard for emergency preparedness at a world class international airport. (Method) The central mission of the Sea Rescue Facilities(SRF) is to provide a base of operations for quick and efficient search and rescue response to aircraft-related emergencies at sea, and day-to-day security in the water surrounding the new airport. The design process was initiated with an understanding of the characteristics of and consideration for the Sea Rescue Facilities and analyses of preceding projects. Secondly, general design directions were established according to three major factors: occupant types, lines of action and environmental factors. Lastly, programmatic massing studies were conducted for the SRF, and facility elements, along with different types of outdoor spaces, were developed, all while maintaining the overall design directions. (Results) Given the elemental nature of the program, the “Kit-of-Parts” approach was employed during further development of the SRF design. This approach allowed for simultaneous foci on the formal and material definitions of each discrete building component, relative to both its own internal functional requirements and the relation of each piece to the larger architectural and programmatic whole. The approach also allowed for the application, and modification as required, of a set of base typologies to the specific requirements of either facility, intended to foster familiarity and continuity of operations from one facility to the other. (Conclusions) The SRF design was developed based on its fundamental principle, “saving lives.” The design reflects various occupant types needed for rescue and firefighting operations, effective “Line of Action” and site environmental factors to ensure an immediate response to potential events. Each building component within the Kit-of-Parts approach represents each occupant’s various operational modes, and is strategically located along Lines of Action, ensuring that the SRF’s main goal is fulfilled, and that staff may enjoy their work and life in the Middle Eastern climate. The attempt to design highly functional airport facilities with integrated architecture that improves on international standards should be continued and possibly expanded to airport facilities in Korea. I hope this SRF design will serve as a great precedent for airport facility design that improves functional and sustainable operations.