The Kuwait International Airport is a
very bold project since it has a paramount importance for the Gulf
region. The new airport will have an innovative design-a modern approach
and a practical one, too since the climate in Kuwait is one of the
hottest in the entire world. Foster+ Partners are handling the design of
the airport, being inspired by local forms and using local materials,
too. 12 more images after the break...
The plan is to increase the airport’s
capacity of receiving more passengers; initially it will welcome around
13 million passengers per year. The architects from Foster + Partners
made the project in such a way to allow future expansion-so that in time
the terminal and airport could welcome 25 million passengers. If things
work out, the main goal is that at the end of the project the Kuwait
International Airport will be capable of accommodating 50 million
passengers.
Symmetry and simplicity have been
applied here. The terminal has the shape of a shamrock-the typical
trefoil architectural design. Each wing of each departure gate is equal
to the other. It’s quite impressive when you come to think that its
façade spans 1.2 kilometers.
This is the first airport in the world
that aims to win the LEED prize(the environmental accreditation).The eco
friendly structure deflects the direct solar radiation because the huge
single roof that encapsulates the entire airport is punctuated by
glazed openings that filter the sun beams. The columns are made of
concrete and they bear the resemblance of Kuwait’s sailing boats, the
traditional dhow. The entrance plaza is gigantic and is shaded by the
roof thus offering the passengers the comfort they need.
Solar energy is captured by the
photovoltaic panels that are incorporated in the roof. The thermal mass
is provided by the concrete structure.
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