Foster + Partners to design Red Sea airport

Designs for the new Red Sea Airport by Foster + Partners have been revealed. The airport is set to welcome an expected one million visitors by 2030 to this area of stunning natural beauty. The terminal building has been inspired by the forms of the desert, the green oasis and the sea, and will remove the usual hassle associated with travel by providing a tranquil and memorable experience for passengers from the moment they arrive.

Images © Foster + Partners

Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “The Red Sea Airport has been envisaged as a gateway to one of the most unique resorts in the world and an integral part of the visitor experience. Inspired by the colours and textures of the desert landscape, the sustainable design seeks to create a calm and luxurious journey through the terminal. It will become a transit hub for visitors coming in by both land and air. We look forward to working with the Red Sea Development Company to fulfil the vision for this ambitious one-of-a-kind project.”

The design of the terminal aims to bring the experience of a private aircraft terminal to every traveller by providing smaller, intimate spaces that feel luxurious and personalised. The form of the roof shells is inspired by the desert dunes and cantilevers on the landside and airside to provide shade to the passengers. An internal green oasis with an indigenously planted garden forms a green focus, creating a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere within the airport terminal. The airport will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

The arrival experience is about speed of processing passengers, while welcoming them to their destination along with giving them a first impression of the Red Sea Experience. Upon arrival, passengers follow the natural spatial flow down through the lush oasis landscape towards the Welcome Centre, where they are met and welcomed to the Red Sea Resort. All security and immigration checks are dealt with speedily and the checked-in baggage is sent to the resorts directly. The centre offers an immersive experience of the highlights at the resort, giving visitors a flavour of what is to come.

The departure sequence is generally longer than the arrival experience, so the spaces are designed for longer waiting times with larger, more relaxed spaces. The five departure suites are arranged as a series of pods to allow an easy transition from their cars to the plane. Passengers are dropped off outside the terminal and quickly enter one of the departure pods which feature spas and restaurants enveloped in a relaxed atmosphere. The baggage is loaded onto the aircraft directly after being checked-in at the resort.

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