One of the world’s largest airports provides China with a national symbol of global significance

As part of a multi-disciplinary consortium, Pascall+Watson participated in an international design competition to develop a concept for a new 45mppa, 700,000m² airport terminal in Beijing, China.

Following a rigorous analysis and benchmarking process, we concluded that a radial plan arrangement would be the most advantageous in terms of layout efficiency. Our solution dramatically reduces passenger travel distances when compared against more linear terminals and enables a huge degree of operational flexibility.

The focal point of the scheme is a voluminous central hub around which five piers provide in excess of eighty aircraft contact stands. The curvaceous roof form of the hub floats high above the main concourse areas providing a striking and dramatic enclosure.

Our vision for the airport is that it should be exemplar in terms of its sustainable performance. Various low carbon strategies are integral to the scheme including an airtight external envelope to minimise leakage and infiltration, mechanical air movement systems linked to passenger occupancy and passive solar shading measures to minimise thermal discomfort.