New plans have been introduced to turn London's Heathrow Airport into a mid-sized city. If those plans ever come to fruition, "Heathrow City" would support some 90,000 jobs and 190,000 people, according to Business Insider. It could also add as much as $13 billion to the U.K. economy.
Three proposals have been put forward for the ambitious plan, which include a factory for customizable homes, civic centers, and a "medieval" city center.
These plans will only be explored further if a new airport is built along the Thames Estuary. There are plans for that, too, but it's still uncertain if they'll ever come to fruition. The U.K.'s Airports Commission will decide on the Thames airport plan in September.
Proposal 1: Hawkins/Brown
Hawkins/Brown's idea for Heathrow City include the U.K.'s first airship port, a factory for customizable homes to fill housing demands in the area, and a large park on the airport's former runways, called the Green Belt.
Proposal 2: Maccreanor Lavington
This plan involves a technology campus, a civic center, a retail hub, and Heathrow's Terminal 2, as well as rehabilitating the airport's grounds and planting trees.
Proposal 3: Rick Mather Architects
In this third proposal, former runways would divide the city into different sections based on specializations like education and leisure. It also calls for a medieval city made of existing and new buildings.
Related Stories
Design Innovation Report | Jun 25, 2019
2019 Design Innovation Report: Super labs, dream cabins, office boardwalks, façades as art
9 projects that push the limits of architectural design, space planning, and material innovation.
Airports | May 20, 2019
How the Internet of Things will transform airport environments
Connected devices and their wealth of data have led to significant improvements in operational efficiency and passenger experience in airports.
Hotel Facilities | May 16, 2019
JFK’s TWA Flight Center has been reimagined as a hotel
MCR and Morse Development spearheaded the project.
Airports | May 9, 2019
Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport’s new terminal culminates early plan
$40 million redevelopment brands hub as true boutique airport.
Airports | May 1, 2019
The Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport opens in Israel’s Negev Desert
Amir Mann-Ami Shinar Architects and Planners designed the facility in partnership with Moshe Zur Architects.
Airports | Apr 1, 2019
Home team wins O’Hare terminal design competition
Studio ORD, which includes Chicago-based Studio Gang, is chosen from five finalists.
Airports | Mar 21, 2019
First photos inside the nearly completed Jewel Changi Airport addition
The addition is set to open this spring.
Airports | Feb 28, 2019
Renovation of Tampa International Airport’s Main Terminal completes
Skanska and HOK led the design-build team.
Airports | Feb 26, 2019
Design team unveils Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport
The terminal’s design philosophy combines nature, technology, and community.
Airports | Feb 21, 2019
Self-service bag drops and the challenges of speeding up airport baggage check-in
More airports are asking passengers to check their own baggage. What’s the ripple effect?