Artistry rising above the tarmac

Source: wt.dezeen.com

Beyond the acres of concrete that makes up runways, taxiways, aprons, and the tarmac, certain features of an airport can be designed in a manner which inspires. The control tower is just one of those places at a growing number of airports where form can coexist with function.

The following are a few photos of existing and planned airport control towers located around the world that are no only functional, but are amazing works of architectural design and artistry. Instead of a bland concrete cylinder, these have been constructed with grace and panache.

The first one from Alguaire, Spain (below) looks like a building that Frank Lloyd Wright would have designed for an airport.  The architectural symmetry between tower and terminal are simply outstanding.

Source: blog.aidannolan.co.uk

Source: http://www.aeroportlleida.cat

This second one below under development in Kinshasa, Congo resembles the unfurling petals of a flower.

Source: skyscrapercity.com

Istanbul (Gokcen), Turkey’s new control tower is a visual treat in the night sky (below).

Source: worldbuildingsdirectory.com

Rising above the tarmac in the Kutaisi, Georgia is this gem of a new tower (below):

Source: artrock2006.blogspot.com

Bilbao, Spain resembles a silver torch (below):

Source: designtheorykje.wordpress.com

Sydney, Australia’s unique air traffic control tower at Kingsford Smith International Airport (below):

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Finally, we have the Stockholm (Arlanda), Sweden control tower which its cab that resembles a series of unevenly stacked plates.

Source: peri-usa.com