The location of a new airport there is not a new idea, but all previous options assumed the creation of an artificial island (the most recent is Norman Foster's Thames Hub), which could damage the ecological situation in this part of the country. At the same time, Heathrow Airport is already struggling to cope with the load, and the construction of a third runway there is a sore point: it will require the demolition of residential buildings, significantly disrupt the ecosystem (bird nesting sites will be especially affected). In addition, this is only a temporary measure that will only delay the final overload of Heathrow.
Gensler architects decided to take a different route. According to their plan, the future London Britannia airport will be created at the numerous shipyards of the United Kingdom, assembled in parts and towed to the Thames estuary. There the terminal and 4 lanes, each 5 km long, will be anchored to the bottom and connected to the rail networks of London and Europe through underwater tunnels. Three ground terminals will also be built for passengers arriving by car and local public transport.
The project provides for the future expansion of the airport to 6 runways. The prefabricated structure will allow London Britannia to be repositioned and towed for repairs at the shipyard. The location of the airport will also avoid noise pollution in residential areas, so planes can take off and land 24 hours a day.
Heathrow bureau Gensler proposes to close, and in its place create an eco-city for 300,000 residents with jobs for 200,000 people.
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