by Terri Peters

One of the largest construction projects in Europe — and one of the most political and controversial building projects in the UK — the new Terminal 5 at London's Heathrow Airport opened in March 2008, nearly 20 years after the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners) won the commission.

Master-planner and lead architect Richard Rogers, known for his Stirling Prize-winning Barajas New Area Terminal in Madrid, designed the new terminal as an exclusive and unified home for British Airways. With its wavy roof and glazed facade, Terminal 5 (T5) creates a recognizable face for the airport, and forms a key part of the ongoing Heathrow renovation and expansion project.

Heathrow currently accommodates the world's largest number of international passengers and 85 percent of the UK's international travelers, yet it only has two runways. The facility is running at 98 percent capacity with little room for growth.

The ambitious £4.3 billion regeneration project currently underway will enlarge, consolidate, and modernize the airport over the next five years.

New works at Heathrow include this new T5 concourse building, two satellite buildings (one opening concurrently with T5 and one to open in 2010), a new air control tower (completed in 2007), and the extension of three rail links into London.   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE The Terminal 5 building for British Airways at London's Heathrow Airport was designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Photo: Morley Von Sternberg Extra Large Image The new Terminal 5 building is currently the largest freestanding building in the United Kingdom, measured by building area. Photo: Flickr user Terminal5insider Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.