The Paris Orly airport radar tower, like all air traffic control towers, is a piece of infrastructure. But while infrastructure serves practical, utilitarian purposes, the Paris Orly airport radar tower is unique from other common infrastructural buildings. While most infrastructure focuses on engineering above form, either being completely hidden or unconcerned with aesthetics, the Paris Orly airport radar tower has an interesting and attractive look.
Designed by Barthélémy Griño Architectes, the radome (or radar dome) atop the structure is supported by a fascinatingly mid-century modern lattice. The structure only exists to raise the radome over 60 meters into the air so that it can communicate at distance. As such, the lattice itself is completely hollow except for a steel stairacase by which air traffic controllers and technicians are able to enter the radome.
Latticed Radar Towers
The Paris Orly Airport Radar Tower has an Architectural Design
Trend Themes
1. Aesthetic Infrastructure - The growing demand for infrastructure that is both functional and visually pleasing creates opportunities for architects and designers to collaborate with engineers.
2. Mid-century Modern Revival - The resurgence of mid-century modern design presents opportunities for architecture firms specializing in retro-modern aesthetics.
3. Smart Infrastructure - The integration of advanced technology and sensors in infrastructure designs present opportunities for firms specializing in IoT and automation.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects have an opportunity to expand their portfolio to include infrastructure projects, creating a new revenue stream.
2. Engineering - Engineers can partner with architects to provide innovative solutions to infrastructure design challenges.
3. Iot and Automation - IoT and automation firms have an opportunity to provide solutions for smart infrastructure designs that optimize performance and improve safety.