Automated London Exchange

A new airport concept for London

The Automated London Exchange is a new airport concept that optimises existing terminals and runways. It connects all airports with each other and the city providing flexible options for future required expansion and changes in demand, addressing the south east airports capacity debate as well as offering further opportunities for regeneration and development in the city.

An Airport’s many functions and procedures should not be limited to the one site. The proposal combines existing advanced technology for automated personal transportation such as Pods running underground combined with automated baggage systems. A project of this nature creates opportunities to regenerate numerous disused or underdeveloped sites around London which can operate as arrival and departure points or ‘portals’. The proposed connectivity between airports (the A.L.E. system) gives London the status of a super hub by connecting its seven runways across all six airports and providing flexibility for future runway developments with numerous viable and less expensive options currently unavailable.

Launch website

This airport proposal is more than just a solution to South East England’s Aviation debate, it is a holistic and integrated approach to infrastructural development, questioning the status quo of current airport terminals and systems, breaking down its functions into component parts and spreading them throughout the city and combining with other essential needs such as housing, climate resilience and air quality.

The Automated London Exchange connects all of London’s six airports using existing automated Pod Technology and baggage handling systems.

We propose to break down the airport’s functions and free them from being contained to a particular site close to London. This allows the airport to operate in numerous terminals and portals throughout and outside the city connected by high speed pods together with an automated baggage handling system.

Diagram showing where parts different airport procedures take place.

The Euston Portal is an example of an ALE Portal in London. It will regenerate the currently derelict Granby Terrace depot creating a new arrival/departure point for A.L.E. In addition to this, it creates a platform for residential units positioned above the existing, disused warehouse. Located in a strategic point close to Euston Station in Central London and with over 10,000 metres squared of area, the site presents an enormous potential for sensitive and smart development.