New Beijing Capital Airport – Winning Team for International Competition NACO FOSTER ARUP

It has been announced in Beijing that the joint venture team comprising Dutch airport planners NACO, architects Foster and Partners and engineers ARUP, working with the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and Research, have won the competition for Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3.

The Rmb16,000 million (approx. US$ 2 billion) expansion of Beijing’s airport, currently the busiest in China, is required to handle the massive increase in passengers due to China’s entry to the WTO (World Trade Organisation) and Beijing’s hosting the 2008 Olympics. Its capacity will be increased from 27 to 60 million passengers per annum by 2015.

The proposed new airport terminal will be the world’s most advanced, not only technologically, but also in its concern for passengers and operators. Exciting and efficient, it will be a modern gateway to China evoking a true sense of arrival. Built between the existing eastern runway and the future third runway, its soaring aerodynamic roof reflects the poetry of flight as well as being evocative of traditional Chinese colours and symbols. The building’s vast scale and dramatic form will create a new icon for China and the City of Beijing.

The terminal building has been designed to be as welcoming as possible with few level changes, short walking distances and quick transfer times. All passengers will enjoy the fully glazed single lofty space, daylit through rooflights and bathed in colour changing from red to yellow as you progress through it.

This airport will be one of the world’s most sustainable, incorporating design concepts such as south-east orientated skylights to maximise heat from the early morning sun and integrated environmental control systems minimising energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Lord Foster said on behalf of the team: “This is a fantastic opportunity to deliver a 21st century airport that will set global standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and sustainability. But this airport will also be a symbol of place and togetherness, welcoming and uplifting.”

The proposed modular structure will ensure a fast-track construction programme for opening in 2007 and will provide flexibility for future growth with minimal disturbance to normal operations.

The Joint Venture team has a proven record in delivering international airports on this scale. Chek Lap Kok International Airport, Hong Kong for example was designed and engineered by Foster and Partners and ARUP with special services by NACO. The joint venture partners will have their own base in Beijing to ensure close collaboration with the client and consultants.

Source: NACO