Tide-Interactive Seaplane Terminal

An Architectural Solution to Sea Level Rise

The initial inspiration for the design came from the primal connection between the human body and water. Recognizing that airports can often be stressful and anxiety-inducing places, Seong and Harvey sought to create a space that would provide comfort and relief for passengers and guests. Water became the key concept, symbolizing tranquility and offering a sense of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of travel.

What sets the Tide-Interactive Seaplane Terminal apart is its unique integration of water phenomena into the building. The terminal's floor is designed to float on the Fraser River in Vancouver, which experiences daily tidal variations of three to four meters. While the floor floats, the roof is fixed by piers and tied to the land. The folding ETFE walls contract and expand in response to the tidal changes, creating a captivating high/low ceiling experience that evolves throughout the day. Visitors can enjoy a low ceiling during the day and a high ceiling in the evening, providing a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere. Even the ceiling fixtures can be tide-interactive, further enhancing the immersive experience.

The realization of this design relies on the use of counterweights and pulleys to move the ETFE walls in response to the tidal changes. These counterweights also serve as "tide clocks," providing a visual representation of the ebb and flow of the water.

The Tide-Interactive Seaplane Terminal consists of three blocks: a restaurant and event space, a terminal, and a hotel. With a maximum height of 12 meters during low tide and a minimum height of 8 meters during high tide, the design takes into account the varying water levels to create a harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

One of the standout features of the terminal is its ability to collect rainwater and create waterfalls from the roof edge. Leveraging Vancouver's long rainy season, these waterfalls add a poetic ambiance to the space, responding to different types of rainfall and further emphasizing the connection to water.

The Tide-Interactive Seaplane Terminal project was undertaken from January 2017 to April 2017 in Vancouver, Canada. The designers aimed to address the potential sea level rise in Sea Island, Richmond, which is at risk of being submerged by 2100. By studying the interaction between water and architecture, the project seeks to find architectural solutions to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels and adapt to the changing environment.

The design team faced several challenges, particularly in developing walls that could contract and expand. Various solutions were explored, including fabric walls, metal mesh walls, and sliding walls. Ultimately, ETFE was chosen for its flexibility and thermal performance, making it an ideal material for the project.

The Tide-Interactive Seaplane Terminal was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018 in the category of Architecture, Building, and Structure Design. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and ingenuity, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The terminal's innovative approach and contribution to improving quality of life make it a deserving recipient of this accolade.