With SYSTRA working as lead designer and architect alongside Network Rail, Gatwick Airport, Costain and Mima Group, the Gatwick Airport Station modernisation project set out to resolve a range of safety and operational issues while vastly improving the passenger experience in the station.

Judges praised the team’s collaborative approach when redesigning the station, recognising the challenges faced when designing for reduced noise and sound management in such a busy location.

Jordan Gill, Lead Architect on the project, said: “We are delighted to have received the John Connell Award for the Built Environment in 2025. This award recognises the success of our project in an area that is often overlooked: the treatment of acoustics within station concourses. Effective acoustic management is not only essential for enhancing the overall passenger experience, but it is also vital for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all users.

“The station presented our team at SYSTRA and acoustic engineering partners at Buro Happold with an exceptionally challenging acoustic environment. This award acknowledges the success of our comprehensive design solution in overcoming those challenges.

“The station, situated directly above the Brighton mainline, at the heart of the airport’s South Terminal and within 500 metres of the flight path, presented our team at SYSTRA and acoustic engineering partners at Buro Happold with an exceptionally challenging acoustic environment. This award acknowledges the success of our comprehensive design solution in overcoming those challenges.”

Find out more about the Gatwick Airport Station project.