The Most Unique Airport Architecture in the World

International Airports all over the world showcase their country’s culture through
airport/terminal architecture
1. ILD, Lleida-Alguaire Aiport in Lleida, Spain. Green, olive, and brown metal plates decorate
the terminal’s facade, reflecting the color palate of the surrounding countryside while the
design features curving side walls at the base and incorporates a 133-foot control tower.
Joan Argeles, The Art of the Airport, Frances Lincoln 2016, Translated by Stewart Spencer
2. MVD, Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, Uruguay, looks like some
extraterrestrial structure emerging from the flat countryside that surrounds it. Vinoly’s concept
was inspired by the gently curving sand dunes along the coast of Uruguay. The terminal’s
exterior is a white concrete shell with front and side glass walls that allow plenty of natural
light to filter through all sides and create a sense of openness.

Daniela MacAdden, The Art of the Airport, Frances Lincoln 2016, Translated by Stewart
Spencer

3. LED, Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, in Russia. wanted to reflect the city’s unique
architecture in their terminal by creating an arrival hall distinguished by the inverted roof
patterns. The mosaic like metal plates and window patterns similar to churches create an
alternative approach to the city’s dome-like architecture that is both modern and a tribute to St.
Petersburg’s cultural identity.

Yuri Molodkovets, The Art of the Airport, Frances Lincoln 2016, Translated by Stewart
Spencer
 4. RAK, Marrakesh Menara Airport in Marrakesh, Morocco. A partnership between
E2A of Casablanca and the French firm of CR architecture, the main terminal incorporates
design elements from Arab culture in innovative ways such as the Rhombus cutouts in the roof
overhang that cast fantastical shadows over the main terminal floor. Large triangular windows
adorned with Arabian designs also provide a welcoming taste of Moroccan culture.

Natalie Tepper, Arcaid Images,The Art of the Airport, Frances Lincoln 2016, Translated by
Stewart Spencer

5. KUT, Kutaisi International Airport in Kutaisi, Georgia. famous for its passenger
friendly design. Created by the Dutch firm of UN Studio, the sleek horizontal terminal has a
uniquely transparent layout highlighted by one red corner (the main entrance) and an interior
umbrella-like ceiling sculpture that adorns the airport roundabout for passenger flow.
Giorgi Mamasakhlisi, UN Design, The Art of the Airport, Frances Lincoln 2016, Translated by
Stewart Spencer
 6. WLG, Wellington International Airport in Wellington, New Zealand. Inspired the
ancient legend of Ngake, a sea monster who created the distinctive sea cliffs of Cook Strait, the

architects at Studio Pacific Architecture and Warren & Mahoney revealed a new terminal
design in 2010. The copper plate design of the exterior (not pictured) is intended to mirror the
wild and rugged look of the famous Cook Strait sea cliffs while the interior exudes a warm,
cocoon-like serenity achieved through the handsome woodwork patterns and focused pools of
light.
Patrick Reynolds, The Art of the Airport, Frances Lincoln 2016, Translated by Stewart Spencer
7. TXL, Berlin-Tegel Airport Germany, Famous for its hexagon-shaped concourse (Terminal
A), which was unveiled in 1975 by Reinhard von Gerkan and Volkwin Marg of the Hamburg
firm gmp, TXL was considered ultramodern when it first opened and has since become a
beloved icon of the city. The rough textured but aesthetically pleasing concrete hexagon was
designed for passenger comfort and maximum traffic flow and still achieves that while
operating at three times its maximum capacity.

Marcus Bredt, The Art of the Airport, Frances Lincoln 2016, Translated by Stewart Spencer