New plans have been introduced to turn London's Heathrow Airport into a mid-sized city. If those plans ever come to fruition, "Heathrow City" would support some 90,000 jobs and 190,000 people, according to Business Insider. It could also add as much as $13 billion to the U.K. economy.
Three proposals have been put forward for the ambitious plan, which include a factory for customizable homes, civic centers, and a "medieval" city center.
These plans will only be explored further if a new airport is built along the Thames Estuary. There are plans for that, too, but it's still uncertain if they'll ever come to fruition. The U.K.'s Airports Commission will decide on the Thames airport plan in September.
Proposal 1: Hawkins/Brown
Hawkins/Brown's idea for Heathrow City include the U.K.'s first airship port, a factory for customizable homes to fill housing demands in the area, and a large park on the airport's former runways, called the Green Belt.
Proposal 2: Maccreanor Lavington
This plan involves a technology campus, a civic center, a retail hub, and Heathrow's Terminal 2, as well as rehabilitating the airport's grounds and planting trees.
Proposal 3: Rick Mather Architects
In this third proposal, former runways would divide the city into different sections based on specializations like education and leisure. It also calls for a medieval city made of existing and new buildings.
Related Stories
| Mar 26, 2014
Callison launches sustainable design tool with 84 proven strategies
Hybrid ventilation, nighttime cooling, and fuel cell technology are among the dozens of sustainable design techniques profiled by Callison on its new website, Matrix.Callison.com.
| Mar 20, 2014
Common EIFS failures, and how to prevent them
Poor workmanship, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible or unsound substrate are among the major culprits of EIFS problems.
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Mar 5, 2014
5 tile design trends for 2014
Beveled, geometric, and high-tech patterns are among the hot ceramic tile trends, say tile design experts.
| Mar 1, 2014
Dramatic fractal roof highlights SOM's new Mumbai airport terminal [slideshow]
The terminal merges new technology and traditional regional architecture, notably in the fractal roof canopy that runs throughout the terminal.
| Feb 6, 2014
First look: Gensler ups the ante on airport design with new SFO boarding area
The new terminal features a yoga room, award-winning arts program, and an interactive play area for kids.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
