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 ($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.
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. |
