Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Moscow SVO = flashy (and functional) airport !

I'm still amazed at the new international terminal at Moscow Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO).   Designed by Russian Architect Dmitry Pshenichniko and opened just a few months ago, Terminal D is a really a giant leap forward for Russia's busiest airport and replaces a cramped, impersonal and dark terminal that was hastily built 32 years in advance of the 1980 olympics.  

I'm generally pretty easily impressed by shiny objects and slick architecture (both of which are readily apparent at terminal d) but am often let down by the lack of function in many modern "avant garde" buildings, but my respect for this one goes beyond the obvious visual flash after having simply sailed through it when we arrived on Sunday.   Impressive layout, wide concourses, and soaring ceilings lead to a very open sun filled space, plus fun use of spaces at the arrival areas enabling families to see their recently arrived loved ones before they even get their bags, and a generous customs/immigration area with plenty of staffing made the whole thing an absolute breeze.   Knowing that a Russian architect designed it is also a strong point.

All of this just makes LAX's International Terminal look even that much more dilapidated in comparison (although fortunately they are actually in the midst of a large remodel/expansion project over there right now).



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