Airport Architecture: a selection of amazing projects!

The experience of a trip also involves the moments when we transit through airports — which, depending on the situation, can be quite long. Therefore, the projects for new terminals strive to create projects that promote practicality and well-being for users while being connected to the culture of the region where they are located. This is what we present in the selection of projects — already completed or underway — for new airports around the world, designed by renowned architecture firms.

Airport in Bhutan, by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group

The firm BIG recently revealed its design for the Gelephu International Airport in Bhutan, where standardized laminated wood modules will form a diagonal structure. Scheduled to open in 2029, the 68,000-square-meter terminal will be surrounded by subtropical forests and mountains — this natural landscape was a reference for the design of the building, with its wave-like grid structure resembling a mountain range. Additionally, carvings in the wood, made by local craftsmen, represent dragons and will adorn the wood.

Portland International Airport, by ZGF Architects

The American studio ZGF Architects is responsible for the expansion of the main terminal of the Portland International Airport, which features a massive prefabricated roof as its main characteristic. Made of metal and glued laminated wood, the roof covers more than 37,161 square meters with beams and trusses. This terminal marks an important phase in the airport's renovation, which has been underway for a decade. Covering the entire central terminal — which includes entrance, ticket sales counters and gates — the roof showcases a wavy pattern with 49 skylights.

O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, by SOM, Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects, and Arup

Named Satellite One, the new terminal at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago was designed by the American firms SOM, Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects, and Arup. The new space will operate with domestic and international flights and will have additional gates for airlines operating out of Chicago and space for scaling passengers. The architecture and design team chose a structure based on trees, which is a subtle reference to the orchard that previously occupied the site. The terminal will be connected to the main body of the airport via a bridge.

Lishui Airport in China, by MAD

With nearly 24 meters in height, a cascading sloped roof covers the Lishui Airport in China, designed by the MAD studio. According to the architects, the structure resembles a white-feathered bird ready to fly. Located in the province of Zhejiang, in the southwest of China, the project was also inspired by the mountainous landscape surrounding it. The airport features a curved interior with wood finishes, with an elongated leaf-shaped skylight emerging from the center of the building to allow natural light in.

Kempegowda International Airport in India, by SOM

The architecture firm SOM designed a terminal for the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India, which is based on the city's landscape. The space was created as a "terminal in a garden", filled with plants and aimed at providing a tranquil alternative to the hustle and bustle of a typical international airport. The 255,000-square-meter terminal will serve as a vital connection point between the current airport and the city of Bengaluru, in addition to accommodating outdoor spaces for retail, events, and entertainment. Inside, the studio opted for a bamboo structure with suspended plants and foliage, creating bright and airy interiors illuminated by openings in the roof.

Techo International Airport in Cambodia, by Foster+Partners

The British studio Foster + Partners is responsible for the design of the Techo International Airport in Cambodia, which was inspired by the tropical climate and will consist of a new airport city and a terminal with a shell-shaped roof. The idea is for the structure to resemble the canopy of a tree. The terminal will consist of a central hub for all passenger processing and shops, flanked on both sides by two curved wings in airfoil shape for departures and arrivals. The roof project will also use a filtering screen to capture natural light and illuminate the interior of the terminal.

Zayed International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, by Kohn Pedersen Fox

With a wavy roof inspired by the region's dunes, the architecture studio Kohn Pedersen Fox recently completed a terminal at the Zayed International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. To minimize the impact of the desert sun, the roof was installed over the facade, reducing the amount of glass and eliminating the need for external shading devices. Inside, a hall with stone mosaic flooring sits under a single roof spanning 180 meters, supported by arches to create a virtually column-free space.

Florence Airport in Italy, by Rafael Viñoly Architects

In the design of the American studio Rafael Viñoly Architects, the new international terminal of the Florence Airport in Italy will be crowned by a 7.7-hectare vineyard. The main feature of the space will be a broad sloping roof, which will be covered with skylights and 38 rows of usable vineyards. According to the architects, this is a tribute to Florence's reputation, known as the heart of Tuscany — the renowned wine region of Italy.

Kansas City International Airport, by SOM

The architecture studio SOM recently completed a new terminal for the Kansas City International Airport in Missouri, United States, featuring a large wood-clad roof. Composed of a two-story structure with facilities for airlines, gates, and lobbies, the new space has each floor with access to a guide for passenger drop-off and pick-up. Additionally, it features a design in the shape of an I, with extensive glazing encasing the entry area for the check-in areas.

Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia, by Foster+Partners

A group of stone buildings, inspired by local villages, will comprise the new terminal at the Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia, designed by the Foster + Partners firm. The conical stone structures will have varying heights and will be interconnected by open-air patios and paved walkways, also made of stone. The internal areas will feature shops, restaurants, and cafés, which will open onto patios with outdoor seating. The departure hall will have pink-toned tiled flooring, along with lattice wood elements, with openings in the roof bringing daylight inside.