the architect, foster and partners has won the design competition for the expansion of beijing capital international airport - terminal 3. the project worth over $2 billion is going to be the world’s largest airport, as beijing will be hosting the 2008 olympics
foster unveiled the concept with the focus on the aerodynamic roof, together with traditional chinese colors of red and yellow. the roof is a symbol of the dragon, the mythic creature auspicious to the chinese culture- which is what I’m impressed the most-
total capacity of the airport will be 82 million passengers after the completion of the new terminal, and it’s expected to be in the world’s top 5 busiest airport- well, KLIA (kuala lumpur international airport) has 25 million passengers capacity. and hey, passengers can enjoy fully-glazed single lofty space- with daylighting from the roof and the lights will slowly change from red to yellow as you move on.
the skylights are orientated towards south-east, to receive heat from the morning sun, and of course there will be integrated systems to control the energy consumption and carbon emissions - which is particularly new to the chinese architecture
“this is a fantastic opportunity to deliver a 21st century airport that will set global standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and sustainability. but this airport will also be a symbol of place and togetherness, welcoming and uplifting.” quoted from lord norman foster
with experience from chek lap kok airport, you’re going to have to accept that the next beijing terminal will be the world’s most advanced airport complex, both in technology and sustainability.
looking for high resolution pictures? over here;
- beijing capital international airport terminal 3 - perspective
- beijing capital international airport terminal 3 - plan
- beijing capital international airport terminal 3 - conceptual
- beijing capital international airport terminal 3 - front
- beijing capital international airport terminal 3 - construction
