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