Airport terminals are often the first spaces to shape a visitor’s impression of a country. They blend the emotions of both welcomes and farewells, marking the transitions of arrivals and departures. With this in mind, Terminal 3 at Prague Airport—used primarily for private aviation—underwent architectural and spatial upgrades, aiming to achieve a more contemporary and representative appearance.
The revitalisation respects the existing architectural character of the original 1990s building, which features elements of postmodernism. The landside façade was preserved, with original canopy elements refurbished or replaced. The surrounding area was enhanced by reducing excessive paved surfaces, adding greenery, converting unused zones into grassy strips, and planting trees and shrubs—resulting in a more pleasant and legible public forecourt. New street furniture, stainless steel safety bollards, and backlit information pylons help clarify circulation routes.
On the airside, a striking new architectural feature was introduced—a steel canopy with a distinctive “web-like” structure composed of equilateral triangles, supported by seven truncated pyramid-shaped columns. The canopy’s geometry is echoed in the design of new staircases and ramps with brushed metal cladding, creating an elegant and iconic silhouette visible from afar. The redesign also reflects the need to separate operational flows, introducing independent entrances for VIP guests, tour groups, arrivals, and departures to ensure smooth and secure circulation.
Interior renovations focused on the ground floor, which remained operational throughout construction. A new entrance hall and adjoining check-in areas offer an intuitive and seamless path through the terminal, while thoughtfully placed relaxation and work zones provide passengers with a comfortable environment while waiting.
The interior design concept is defined by simplicity and dignity. Materials such as brushed metal, glass, and decorative elements in the VIP zone underscore the terminal’s representative role. The VIP lounge features glass-clad columns and bespoke furniture, while standard waiting areas meet Prague Airport's established design standards. Integrated greenery—through green walls and standalone planters—contributes to a calm and cultivated ambiance. A separate protocol lounge, featuring the Czech lion motif, offers a dignified space for official visits.
The result of the modernisation is an elegant and functional terminal that meets the specific demands of private air travel while delivering a high standard of comfort and security for passengers.
Team:
Client: Prague Airport
Architects: ra15
Author: Radek Lampa, Libor Hrdoušek, David Hřebačka, Dominika Klavrzová, David Skalický, Tomáš Kroužil
General contractor: PORR
Steel canopy structure: Mužík a syn
Photographer: Petr Polák
Materials Used:
Steel: outdoor canopy, slatted ceiling
Aluminium: windows, doors, glass partitions
Alucobond: ramp and stair cladding
Leather: seating furniture
Glass: columns, doors, interior wall cladding
Ceramics: flooring, internal wall cladding, facade cladding
Corian: bar counter
Street-level entrances: Schüco
Door systems: ASSA ABLOY
Indoor gates: dormakaba
Glass wall cladding: AGC
Panel wall cladding: Grena
Ceiling: Atena
Glass partitions: Aluprof
Freestanding furniture: Profim; mminterier; TON; MULTISED
Lighting: EKO LED LIGHTS
Aluminium canopy cladding: Albet
Ramp and staircase cladding, ceilings: ProInterier
Street-level entrances: Spiral
Tiling supplier: ProCeram
Glass partitions: RACCOON
Built-in furniture: Nüssli
Freestanding furniture supplier: Techo
Signage and wayfinding: Atlas
Baggage system: LogTech
Lighting supplier: Delta Light
