# Unique Architecture The Rock at Wellington Airport By Ayman | Published 2008-03-03 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rock-wellington-airport References: [scoop.co.nz](http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0802/S00326.htm) They were aiming for a radical departure from airport design, and they surely got it. New Zealand's Wellington Airport has unveiled the design for the final element of its international passenger terminal, which it is calling "the Rock". The bold and dramatic unique addition is part of its international terminal upgrade, the first stage of which was completed last year. The second stage, due to be completed in 2009, will feature expanded and redesigned [international departure lounge](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capital-one-lounge-at-jfk) building with [extra lounge seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gateway-collection) for 660, improved waiting and queuing areas to gates, additional toilets and a [new cafe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-spot1), as well as another airbridge. Steven Fitzgerald, Wellington Airport CEO, said the $39 million Rock's “radical departure from traditional airport design worldwide is entirely deliberate. What is set to become New Zealand's newest iconic building, The Rock combines functionality and capacity with what will be a memorable visitor experience. It's edgy and in keeping with our Wild at Heart attitude, reflecting Wellington's status as a vibrant and daring cultural city. With our commitment to regional tourism and further developing international services, we are creating the airport to take Wellington into the next decade." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.3/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Radical Airport Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design innovative airports that break away from traditional designs, creating unique, memorable visitor experiences. - **Iconic Architectural Additions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement bold and dramatic architectural elements in infrastructure projects to create landmarks and boost tourism. - **Enhanced Airport Facilities:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Redesign airport facilities to improve passenger comfort and convenience, incorporating features such as expanded lounges, improved waiting areas, and additional amenities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Airport Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new design concepts and technologies to transform the way airports are planned and constructed. - **Architectural Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Push boundaries in architecture by incorporating unique elements and creating iconic structures. - **Tourism Infrastructure:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate tourism infrastructure projects to attract more visitors by offering exceptional and memorable experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sand Dune-Inspired Airport Roofs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-pedersen-fox.md) - [Village-Inspired Tapered Stone Airport](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foster-partners5.md) - [Distinctive Airlifted Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karka-tower.md) - [Vineyard-Detailed Airport Terminals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florence-airport-1.md) - [Rock‑Like Coastal Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nature-rocks-visitor-centre.md) - [Expansive Airport Roof Canopies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portland-airport.md) - [Subtropical Natural Landscape Airports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelephu-international-airport.md) - [Garden City-Inspired Airport Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/changi-airport-1.md) - [Red Roof Airport Terminals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aecom.md)