Pier A

Facts about the building

Architects: Vilhelm Lauritzen and Niels Evert of Holm & Grut A/S
Materials: Steel, glass, aluminium and marble
Opened: 1960/1998
Owner: Copenhagen Airports A/S

Designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and inaugurated in 1960, Pier A was originally a part of Terminal 2. In connection with a complete conversion of Terminal 2, Pier A was rebuilt on the old foundations in a completely different architectural style in 1995. Architects for the project were Holm & Grut.

In March 1998, a new extension of Pier A opened. Designed by Niels Evert of Holm & Grut A/S and originally dubbed “Pier West”, it is today considered part of Pier A, since all departure gates in the two pier sections have the letter designation A. This part of Pier A today forms a corridor between Terminals 1 and 2, i.e. between the domestic terminal and the international terminals.

Architects and architecture

The roof of Pier A is designed to invoke images of metal aircraft wings. The roof shells rest on steel columns ending in branch-like ramifications that disappear into the ceiling. The reflecting surfaces of the glass facades and the arched ceilings create spaces and light typical of the Nordic style. The curved, aerodynamic shapes remain within the airline idiom, just as the internal aluminium cladding and the choice of materials and colours make one think of aircraft and state of the art technology.

Optimal view

An important goal in the design of the pier was to create optimal visual contact with the aircraft and the activities on the apron in front of the building, the main purpose being to facilitate orientation for people inside the building. Another reason for this design solution was to make it possible for passengers to see the activities that take place around the aircraft, thus adding to their travel experience.

As mentioned above, the western part of Pier A connects Terminals 1 and 2. Since the two terminals are not located directly adjacent to each other, Pier A has a number of bends. The architects chose to mark these bends by circular buildings: rotundas. These rotundas are ‘hinges’ to which the terminal building is attached and around which it turns. Like the rest of Pier A, the rotundas feature large glazed areas that provide excellent views of the apron.

Prizes and awards

Pier A has been awarded several prizes, including:

• The Association for the Beautification of the Capital Diploma 1995
• Nordic Sheetmetal Prize 1996