Move over Dubai, because Beijing is set to surpass the record of world’s largest airport terminal.
The concept design for Beijing’s new Daxing Terminal was revealed this week, settling nicely against China’s position as the leading economic power.
The terminal’s budget sits at around USD$13.8 billion and is set to accommodate 45 million travellers annually, upon completion in 2019.
The Chinese Air Authority’s goal of handling 100 million travellers per year will see further expansion of the project’s initial spanning of 7,534,737 square feet.
Although the bid to design the new terminal was won by ADPI in 2011, Zaha Hadid Architects jumped on board to design ‘a key hub within Beijing’s growing transport network and a catalyst for the region’s economic development,’ as described by the project team in a statement.
The designs are futuristic, with svelte grace and a flexible layout, allowing it to adapt into various configurations. Local and national rail services will run through the terminal as well, including the Gao Tie high-speed rail.
Zaha Hadid heads Zaha Hadid Architects and has never completed an airport as of yet, although she is rumoured to be involved in plans for a new major terminal in the south east of England.
Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004 and also received the Stirling Prize in 2010 and 2011.
