Architectural Design Project

Module Lead

Prof David Richards

Tutors

Carl Leroy-Smith
Howard Clarke

Southampton’s flying boat industry previously experienced its last commercially operated flying boat in 1958, carrying 58 passengers bound for Madeira. The city operated in this industry from as early as 1919, spanning almost 40 years as the centre of international flying boat services. This project aims to revitalise the luxury routes of travelling, potentially inviting adventurous travellers from across the country.

The students were tasked with designing a state of the art seaplane terminal in the heart of Southampton, next to Mayflower Park. It should celebrate architectural and structural elements whilst reflecting the glamour of flying boat history and encouraging an aspirational travel experience.

The airport should serve 4 flights a day of the AVIC AG 600 and 10 of the Dornier wings Seastar seaplane and include a reception area, café/restaurant (accessible to both travellers and the public), an arrivals and departures area and other amenities. The brief also stated sustainability objectives such as managing resources by limiting uses to sustainable levels, utilising renewable resources without exceeding ecosystem regeneration as well as minimising the depletion of non renewable resources.