The idea of this project is to investigate the possibility of an underground airport with passenger facilities below and aircrafts above with... Show moreThe idea of this project is to investigate the possibility of an underground airport with passenger facilities below and aircrafts above with minimum over-ground space. An important advantage is the possibility of loading and unloading passengers at two or more aircraft entrances thereby shortening the turn-around time of aircrafts. This accessibility can be more easily managed when approached from below. Furthermore, an underground facility is expected to provide several additional advantages: 1) greater freedom for aircrafts to get into position to efficiently load and unload; 2) potential for aircrafts to power-in and power-out of gate areas omitting the need for towing; 3) shorter walking distances for passengers due to greater compactness; 4) potential for an effective and efficient Automated People Mover (APM) system; 5) greater potential for systematic airport expansion when needed; 6) potentially reduced operating cost for ventilation, heating, and cooling. These advantages will answer many of the difficulties that current airports are experiencing today. However, in order to achieve these advantages, there are many important practical questions such as the spatial, environmental, structural aspects that need to be most carefully addressed. This project endeavored to investigate these important aspects as thoroughly as time and resources permit. M.S. in Architecture, December 2014 Show less