Brno Airport Terminal

The new terminal building at Brno airport brings to mind all sorts of things. Looking at the skylights one is put in mind a streamlined shark, while the skin itself, in a pattern of hexagonal titanium-zinc plates that covers both roof and façades, is more reminiscent of a snake. With its accentuated entrance, its also presents itself as a symbolic arch, marking the arrival or departure of visitors. In fact, what fascinated young local architect Petr Parolek most when designing this building, were the logistics of travel, people's movements and the speed and aerodynamics of airplanes. Its sculptural shape stands in sharp contrast to the functionalist, box-like buildings typical of Brno's architectural style, and forms a new landmark for the town. Although the dark monolith looks quite imperforate from the outside, it opens up from the inside through its transparent, high-tech steel structure and rooflights, whose curves emulate those of the outer shell.