© Hufton + Crow | Beijing Daxing International Airport / Zaha Hadid Architects Share Share
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https://www.archdaily.com/1020495/shaping-space-with-curves-explore-the-architectural-fluidity-in-4-modern-airport-projects
Beyond their primary function as transportation hubs, modern airports are becoming important landmarks and symbols of architectural innovation. A prominent trend in contemporary airport design is the use of curvilinear forms to create fluid, dynamic spaces that enhance both functionality and visual impact. These curves, made possible by advances in construction technologies, allow for more flexible, spacious interior spaces and designs that better integrate with the natural landscape, improving passenger circulation and the experience.
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Examples of this approach include Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, Beijing Daxing International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 2 in Mumbai, and Hulunbuir Hailar Airport in Inner Mongolia. All of these projects employ curved surfaces not only for aesthetic reasons but also to address significant structural challenges. The curved shapes of these airports, such as Jewel Changi's toroidal dome and Beijing Daxing's radial design, efficiently distribute loads over large spans and minimize the need for internal supports. This approach allows for the spacious, open public spaces that are essential in airport terminals. The use of reticulated structures, where these curves are often employed, further increases efficiency by reducing material usage while maintaining structural integrity. These airports demonstrate that curved design can be a functional and visually cohesive solution in meeting the demands of modern air travel.
Read on to learn about four unique international airports in South and East Asia that use curves to shape space.
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Singapore
Courtesy: Jewel Changi Airport/Safdie Architects
Winner of ArchDaily's 2020 Building of the Year, Jewel Changi Airport by Safdie Architects uses a curved toroidal dome to create an open, fluid space that blends nature with the built environment. The curvature of the roof allows for a column-free interior, enhancing spatial continuity as visitors move through indoor gardens and retail areas. This design approach helps to direct traffic flows and is consistent with the airport's role as both a transport hub and public space.
Daxing, China
© Hufton + Crow | Beijing Daxing International Airport / Zaha Hadid Architects
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, Beijing Daxing International Airport makes extensive use of curves in its design to shape both the structure and the passenger experience. The terminal's compact radial layout features six flowing shapes within a ground-length, arched roof, creating a seamless connection between the building and its foundations. These curves not only support the structure, but also allow natural light in and intuitively guide passengers to the central courtyard. The curved design minimizes walking distances and increases efficiency, while providing a visually cohesive and fluid environment that reflects traditional Chinese architectural principles.
Mumbai, India
©Robert Polidori | Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
Designed by SOM, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 2 uses curves to create an inviting, culturally resonant space. The terminal's design takes inspiration from traditional Indian pavilions, with its majestic roof supported by mushroom-like, multi-storey columns that evoke the airy, open structures of regional architecture. These curvilinear elements not only provide structural support, but also allow natural light to permeate the space, enhancing the feeling of warmth and openness. The spacious shape helps intuitively orient passengers through the terminal, while culturally inspired details ground the design in the local context, making the airport both functional and iconic as a gateway to India.
Hailar District, Hulunbuir, China
© Ke Liu | Hulunbuir Hailar Airport / United Design U10 Atelier
Designed by United Design U10 Atelier, Hulunbuir Hailar Airport's T2 terminal utilizes curved surfaces to reflect the natural and cultural landscape of Inner Mongolia. Inspired by the cloud and flock forms unique to the region, the terminal's curved roof creates a fluid, rhythmic form that integrates the building into its surroundings. The roof's bidirectional single-layer reticulated shell structure eliminates the boundaries between vertical and horizontal planes, forming a continuous space reminiscent of a Mongolian yurt. This use of curved surfaces not only strengthens the visual connection with the local environment, but also integrates the old and new terminals, creating a cohesive architectural experience.
This article is part of a series curated by ArchDaily, highlighting built projects from our unique database grouped under specific themes related to cities, typologies, materials, and programs. Each month, we feature a collection of structures that find common threads in previously uncommon contexts, unlocking the depth of their impact on the built environment. As always, ArchDaily welcomes input from our readers, so if you think a particular idea should be featured, please submit it.
