Buro Happold provided multi disciplinary engineering services for a new car park at Glasgow Airport that provides parking for 2,000 cars in total. The challenge was to design an economical and functional, yet attractive and welcoming, building that would offer a high level of safety, security and ease of use. A successful solution was achieved by limiting the number of columns to improve circulation routes and create a more open environment, and by utilising high quality materials and finishes.

Based on the British Airports Authority (BAA) Standard ‘Short Stay MSCP New Build’ car park standard, the structure consists of a five-storey reinforced concrete frame and precast concrete cladding, with access ramps on the east facade and a total of six cores on the north and south facades. Immediately to the north of the car park is the main access road that runs in front of the terminal building. The car park is linked to the first floor of the terminal building via a pedestrian footbridge.

Using risk assessment techniques, fire engineering principles and car fire studies, Buro Happold’s fire engineering team (FEDRA) carried out an extensive analysis of potential fire hazards and evacuation procedures. We were able to prove the case for lowering the required safe ‘travel distance’ from the centre of the car park as laid down by Scottish Technical Standards, enabling the design aspirations to be achieved without having to install further escape routes and stairs.

The Glasgow Airport project was undertaken under our BAA framework agreement. We have since constructed a car park with a similar capacity for BAA at Edinburgh Airport.

Date: Completed in 2002