Well known throughout Europe, Bergamo is the fourth most active airport in Italy and a recognized low-cost gateway for Milan. In this fast-growing scenario, attentive management of the functional demand has identified the need for development, whilst preserving airport operations, through diversifying revenues and the introduction of commercial spaces. In a long-term scenario, an overall revision of the airport layout will solve capacity bottlenecks concerning the terminal, accessibility, parking areas and airside activities.

One Works carried out planning and design activities along with the construction site supervision of the principal airport expansion projects, interpreting and accompanying airport growth and related needs. These core activities, over a ten-year period (2008-2018), follows an innovative modular concept allowing integration of the existing structure.

The completed first phase, which interested much of the entire terminal building, made a considerable impact on the existing functional areas. Particular attention focused on integrity and access preservation, exit and safety paths comfort for passengers as well as airside staff, baggage flow continuity and the retail experience.

Subsequent phases will stepwise accompany airport growth until 63.500sq.m. Phase Two provides a landside arrival hall and an airside baggage reclaim. Dedicated areas for groups and general aviation with associated business facilities see completion in phase three, curb area relocation and enlargement, and a new covered bus station during phase four, and additional airside departure-waiting areas in the final phase.

As part of the overall re-design and extension of the Orio Passenger Terminal, One Works also reexamined the shopping experience at the Airport. While introducing or replacing 12.000 sqm of GFA, high priority was given to retail and a new food court, increasing ceiling heights and opening vistas onto the surrounding landscape while bringing in great quantities of natural light.