Kuwait airport's new terminal designs unveiled
The design of the new terminal building of the Kuwait International Airport in Farwaniyah, Kuwait has been unveiled.
The facility has been designed by London-based architectural firm Foster & Partners in association with the engineering firm Arup. It will span 140,000 square metres spread over five floors and will be constructed to the southern part of the existing terminal. A total of four storeys will be located above the ground with one level underground.
The building will feature multiple concrete pillars which will offer thermal mass to cool and protect its interior portion. It will incorporate a trefoil plan which segregates it into three symmetrical wings of departure gates. Every gate will possess dimensions of about one mile in length and will be linked by a central dome measuring 82 feet in height. Further, there will be a large entry plaza adorned with a landscaped area comprising native desert plants whereas waterfalls will be installed along the baggage claim space.
The roof of the building will be wrapped in a canopy measuring 60 metres. The canopy will be made of concrete shell and be equipped with photovoltaic solar panels to help harvest solar energy. The roof will also consist of several glazed openings. The openings will deflect heat and solar radiation while allowing optimum penetration of natural light inside.
The location of the new terminal will also allow room for more expansion in the future. The new facility is expected to enhance the annual passenger handling capacity of the airport to 50 million annual passengers. The passenger handling capacity will amount to 13 million per year following the completion of phase I of the project.
Construction work is slated to commence by 2012.
