The world’s first private spaceport, designed by Foster + Partners, has opened in New Mexico.
October 19th, 2011
5 years in the making, the world’s first private spaceport was officially opened on October 17, dubbed Virgin Galactic’s ’Gateway to Space’.
Photo by Mark Greenberg
Foster + Partners, in collaboration with URS Corporation and SMPC Architects, designed the terminal and hangar facility at Spaceport America in the Jornada del Muerto desert basin in the New Mexico desert.
The low-lying structure has an organic form, designed to rise out of the landscape.
Image courtesy Foster + Partners
Entry to the facility is via a deep channel cut into the earth. The retaining walls act as a gallery or exhibition space, documenting the history of the region as well as the history of space travel.
Image courtesy Foster + Partners
Image courtesy of Gadling
“The sinuous shape of the building in the landscape and its interior spaces seek to capture the drama and mystery of space flight itself, articulating the thrill of space travel for the first space tourists,” said the architects in their project statement.
Areas for astronauts and visitors are integrated with the rest of the building for maximum visibility. More private areas, such as the control room, are visible to the public but not accessible. The glazed façade of the terminal building offers views onto the runway.
Image courtesy Foster + Partners
Image courtesy of Gadling
The facility was designed to meet LEED Gold accreditation. Dug into the landscape, the building is protected from the harsh New Mexico climate and exploits the soil’s thermal mass. Skylights let in natural light, and geothermal heating and cooling minimise additional energy requirements.
Over 450 people have already signed up for space voyages from the facility, with tickets going for just US200,000 a pop! Testing on Virgin Atlantic’s spacecraft will continue throughout 2012, after which Virgin Atlantic is expected to start shooting wanna-be astronauts off onto their 2.5 hour journey into space.
Foster + Partners
fosterandpartners.com
SMPC Architects
smpcarchitects.com
URS Corporation
urscorp.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Stay up to date with White, the bi-monthly newsletter for the architect and design community.
Scrubba-dub-dub we’re all in a lather: its Cersaie time again. Nicky Lobo is on the ground in Bologna reporting back on the latest in bathing
The romanticised university experience has been realised for current and future residents of Trinity College Student Accommodation, thanks to Hayball.
A Logic roller blind is an extremely popular choice due to its modern, clean minimalist appearance. Reasonably priced and fashionably designed, Logic roller blinds suit any domestic or commercial residence. By combining great design with an extensive range of environmentally tolerant fabrics, Logic roller blinds provide both a sophisticated appearance and excellent solar and UV […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Adventist Medical Centre – CWB is a pilot project in which a curated medical interior enriches user experience while addressing operational imperatives with precision.
Paying homage to that wonderful tool of life, the book, SJK Architects’ design for the new headquarters of Penguin Random House is both a temple to the library and a captivating place to work.