foster + partners: kuwait international airport
‘kuwait international airport’ by foster + partners, kuwait image © foster + partners
internationally practicing london-based firm foster + partners has revealed the design for the ‘kuwait international airport’, an air hub for the gulf region located in kuwait. the trefoil plan will accommodate the projected increased influx of transient visitors, growing from an initial 13 million individuals to over 25 million per year with future development and eventually accommodating 50 million annual travelers. the state-of-the-art terminal building intends to provide ultimate comfort despite its positioning within the arid desert amidst one of the hottest habitable climates on earth. gates extend from a 25 meter high central atrium and are distributed between three symmetrical wings which reach a span of 1.2 kilometers. the linear arrangement contains three levels programmed for arrivals, departures and baggage claim with minimal vertical changes produces a user friendly organization.
aerial view of the airport masterplan image © foster + partners
the generated entry sequence is aligned with the hospitality practices of the culture providing an elegant arrival bordered with cascading pools of water. a surrounding oasis landscape provides a refreshing micro environment while native plants acclimated to the dry weather were chosen to encompass the complex. a continuous singular roof is punctured with glazed openings to introduce natural daylight while blocking excessive solar radiation and encouraging simplified wayfinding. reminiscent of the organic form of the area’s traditional dhow sailing boats, tapering concrete columns support the projecting perimeter canopy to shade a spacious outdoor entrance plaza. the material pervades the building’s structure to serve as an insulating thermal mass while large expanses of photovoltaic panels will harvest energy.
spacious entry atrium with vaulted ceilings image © foster + partners
‘the scale of the airport shows kuwait’s great foresight in recognizing the benefits of strategic investment in future infrastructure. the environmental ambitions driving the project are equally impressive. we are pleased to have this opportunity to reveal our designs. the emblematic three-winged form will be as memorable from the air as from the ground – a new symbol of contemporary kuwait, which resonates with its rich culture and history.’ – mouzhan majidi, chief executive of foster + partners.
security point image © foster + partners
moving walkways within terminals are guided by the overhead skylights image © foster + partners
upper level corridor image © foster + partners
escalators descend to the lower level with views of the tarmac image © foster + partners
lower level corridor along grand bay windows image © foster + partners
boarding gates image © foster + partners
baggage claim image © foster + partners
vehicular access image © foster + partners
view of the three wings from the tarmac image © foster + partners
airport at night image © foster + partners
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It’s not quite norman foster’s style.
i like any building this greatest man of architecture all over the world .the man,intelligence has the best sinse to broduce any building
The interiors are pretty exciting, the curvaceous stucture should turn out a treat! Not sure about the bulging curtain walls inbetween though…
…still, from the renderings, an awesome looking airport! Look forward to seeing it as it develops!
You can easily tell Mr. Foster reused some of the principles he implemented in previous airport designs (Hong Kong and Beijing)… I thinks this one is the one I like the most… This one really takes elements from the local culture. The textures loook fantastic..
Were they inspired by the 3-point conference call telephone unit in the middle of their conference table? Also, from a practical position as a pilot, is a concave facade for parking planes really the best design for accessibility of a vehicle with long wings?
the footprint looks like the tiny thong like woman’s uderwear. i love the arches though.
Looks like a uterus.
Seriously, looks beautiful.
looks like a thong.
Wow, a bit of sex being put back into aero architecture. Bring back the jet age, it is like Eero Saarenin’s TWA on steroids.
Judging by the last three posting it’s causing people (assuming them all to be male) to have women’s bits on the brain!
Norm normally bores the pants off me, but something about this looks really good. No doubt the eco credentials are impeccable as well. And Foster +Associates do have serious form when it comes to airports.