Dublin’s award-winning T2 redefines passenger experience

Aviation advisory from planning to operations

Arup’s expertise in aviation analysis and planning was integral to plan the location and layout of the new terminal building, adjacent to the existing terminal. Transport planning was key, as the new and existing terminals have separate approach roads. Centring the road and infrastructure systems around the needs of users, Arup designed and managed the upgrade, widening and reorganisation of circa 7km of existing campus roads network, including dual carriageways, distributor roads and local roads, ensuring the access routes were positioned where they’re most useful for passengers.

A covered pedestrian walkway between the two terminals was also designed, in addition to a forecourt area to cater for public transport facilities. Arup’s transport planners were also responsible for installing and commissioning new traffic signals and the ITS equipment and infrastructure.

A new approach road was created for the existing terminal to take traffic away from T2’s forecourt, improving the arrivals experience and avoiding costly temporary road diversions during construction. The new approach road bisects the new terminal building, but the check-in facilities on one side are linked to the arrivals and departures hall on the other with a 45m-wide bridge.

Our planning advisors guided the project, assisting daa with early stakeholder consultation and adapting the design in line with feedback. Our environmental consultants prepared the Environmental Impact Statement and led the public oral hearing process.

Arup led the project management and construction management, including managing quality, health and safety, commissioning and handover, resulting in the project being completed on time and within budget with zero interruptions to ongoing operations at the existing terminal.

Optimising airport accessibility

Striving to make the passenger experience as seamless as possible, Arup developed new road, car park and terminal signage at landside and airside, as well as optimising the acoustic design.

Emphasising accessibility and inclusivity, Arup’s aviation experts developed and tested wayfinding journeys for all users, from multi-modal transport links, to departures and arrivals including transfers areas. The wayfinding design for the entire airport was informed by a series of workshops, including consultation with the National Council for the Blind Ireland. Users are provided with the right information, at the correct time, in a format that is accessible to all passengers.

Elevating passenger experience through acoustic consulting

Advising on the acoustic design to create a pleasant passenger experience, including building envelope and internal partition sound insulation and assessment of vibration from baggage handling equipment, Arup’s acoustic experts achieved control of reverberation in public spaces through the application of stretched fabrics and perforated metal soffits.

The expansive nature and acoustic coupling of the main spaces posed a challenge for avoiding spill between loudspeaker zones. A combination of high-powered overhead loudspeakers, long throw phased array, and lower-power distributed loudspeaker systems overcame these challenges.

An energy-efficient airport terminal

Reducing the energy requirements and energy consumption were key objectives for Arup’s engineering teams: the terminal includes a new energy centre with combined heat and power. High performance cladding systems, in combination with intelligent building control systems, reduce energy consumption. All materials recommended in our designs were carefully selected based on overall environmental impact, functionality, durability and whole lifecycle costs.

Energy-efficient light sources were used to lower energy consumption and increase lamp replacement intervals and servicing, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. A Dali protocol was used to link daylight and electric lighting, minimising energy wastage, and luminaires were designed to be dimmed or switched to suit operational conditions.

Maximising natural light and providing a calm atmosphere for passengers, the lighting scheme reinforces the sense of direction through the building and guides passengers through the airport. Daylight enters from the glazed façades and roof skylights along the spine of the building. Solar shading was designed to minimise heat gains yet permit sunlight penetration in selective areas, ensuring optimal comfort for passengers.

The lighting scheme contributed to an overall 17% reduction of CO₂ (compared to a code compliant design).

Passenger-centred design, award-winning terminal

T2 formed the centrepiece of a five-year transformation programme at Dublin Airport to upgrade and modernise facilities, increasing capacity and enhancing the passenger experience. With almost all of Ireland’s long-haul carriers operating out of T2, the terminal has been vital to securing new routes and establishing the airport as the key gateway to the island. The terminal boasts a new pier, serving a total of 19 aircraft parking stands.

The full US pre-clearance facility is a major bonus for US-bound travellers. By passing through passport control, customs and excise prior to departing, they are treated as domestic passengers on their arrival, improving convenience and ease of use.