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Abu Dhabi Airport Crowned ”World’s Most Beatiful”
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In a stunning victory at the prestigious 2024 Prix Versailles International Architecture Awards, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Zayed international Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi has claimed the title of the world’s most beautiful airport. The accolade recognizes the airport’s Midfield Terminal, also known as Terminal A, for its groundbreaking design and commitment to sustainability, outshining over 400 other global entries.
The architectural marvel, designed by kohn Pedersen fox (KPF), is more than just a transportation hub; it’s a testament to innovative design. Its distinctive undulating roof,recently featured in the latest Mission: Impossible film,is inspired by the surrounding desert landscape,seamlessly integrating aesthetics with functionality. this design not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides natural shading, substantially reducing energy consumption.
the terminal’s unique X-shaped structure, reaching a height of 50 meters, maximizes space while incorporating lasting materials to minimize its environmental footprint. The four piers are themed around Abu Dhabi’s natural elements – sea, desert, city, and oasis – each showcasing cultural references and intricate details that celebrate the region’s rich heritage.
A true highlight is Sana al Nour, a breathtaking 22-meter-tall glass installation inspired by Islamic architecture. This 100-ton artwork, suspended between arrivals and departures, filters natural light to the lower levels and improves airflow, showcasing a remarkable fusion of art and engineering.
Opened in November 2023,the terminal boasts a capacity of up to 45 million passengers annually,with potential for expansion to handle 80 million. This establishes Zayed International as a major global air travel hub and sets a new benchmark for sustainable airport design, a model that could inspire similar projects worldwide.
Beyond Abu Dhabi: Other Award Winners
The Prix Versailles 2024 recognized several other airports for their remarkable design. While Zayed International Airport took home the top prize, other winners included Felipe Ángeles International airport (Zumpango, Mexico) for its interior design, Changi airport Terminal 2 (Singapore) for its exterior, and several others from around the globe, including two U.S. airports: Logan International Airport, terminal E (Boston) and Kansas City International Airport.
- Felipe Ángeles International Airport, Zumpango, Mexico – Special Prize for Interior
- Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore – Special Prize for Exterior
- Suvarnabhumi Airport, Midfield satellite 1, Bangkok, Thailand – World Selection
- Logan International Airport, Terminal E, Boston, US – World Selection
- Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, US – World Selection
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Abu Dhabi’s Groundbreaking Airport: “World’s Most Beautiful”
despite its ultramodern design, Zayed International Airport’s latest accolade focuses on its stunning aesthetics. The Abu Dhabi airport recently won top prize at the 2024 Prix Versailles International Architecture Awards,beating out hundreds of global competitors. This achievement shines a spotlight on the intersection of functionality and beauty in modern architecture.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor speaks with Dr. Amira Khalil, Professor of Architectural Design and Sustainability at the American University of Sharjah
To understand what sets this architectural marvel apart, we spoke with Dr. Amira khalil,Professor of Architectural Design and Sustainability at the American University of Sharjah.
Design Inspiration
Senior Editor: Dr. Khalil, congratulations on the Prix Versailles win for Zayed International Airport! It’s a truly breathtaking structure. What were some of the design inspirations for the project?
Dr. Khalil: Thank you! The architects at Kohn Pedersen Fox drew inspiration from the surrounding desert landscape. The undulating roofline, even featured in the latest Mission: Unachievable film, echoes the dunes, creating a sense of harmony with the habitat.
Senior Editor: It’s amazing how they’ve incorporated the local context into such a modern design.
Sustainability and Functionality
senior Editor: The airport also seems to prioritize sustainability. Can you speak about how those considerations influenced the design?
Dr. Khalil: Absolutely. The roof structure, beyond its aesthetic appeal, provides natural shading, substantially reducing the need for artificial cooling. the building’s X-shape maximizes natural light, further minimizing energy consumption. They’ve also used durable, locally sourced materials, minimizing the environmental impact.
Senior Editor: It sounds like a truly innovative approach to airport design.
The Artistic Fusion
Senior Editor: One striking feature that caught my eye was Sana al Nour, the massive glass sculpture. How dose this artwork contribute to the overall experience?
Dr. Khalil: It’s more than just a sculpture; it’s a functional element. Sana al Nour, meaning “light of the day” in Arabic, filters natural light to the lower levels while improving airflow. It’s a beautiful example of how art and engineering can harmonize to create a truly unique space.
Senior Editor: It’s a testament to the power of art to enhance our everyday spaces.
A Global Architectural Icon
Senior Editor: looking ahead, how do you think Zayed International airport will impact the world of architecture?
Dr. Khalil: I believe it will inspire future airport designs globally. It demonstrates that sustainability, functionality, andinspiring aesthetics can coexist, setting a new standard for airport design and architecture as a whole.
senior Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Khalil.
Dr. Khalil: My pleasure
