Construction of a huge complex with a total area of 400,000 sq. m will last until 2035 and will be divided into three intermediate stages. The need to expand Bao'an International Airport is due to the fact that Shenzhen is one of the key economic centers of modern China. This city is located in the Pearl River Delta, not far from Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and is one of the country's most important financial hubs, and industry is also booming there. All this makes it attractive to entrepreneurs from all over the world. Shenzhen Airport is already the fourth largest airport in China, playing the role of a key connecting point between international and local flights.
The huge Terminal 3 complex will also include an additional satellite terminal. Both buildings will be constructed of glass and covered with a thin metal mesh on the outside, giving the impression of snakeskin. The symmetrical extensions of this elongated structure, resembling wings in plan, give it some resemblance to a dragon. Such a simple but effective solution will not only make it easy to preserve the unity of the ensemble's appearance, which will be created over 25 years, but will also make it possible to widely use daylight in lighting, while protecting the airport from overheating.
The structure of Terminal 3 will be as flexible as possible - to meet the changing requirements of civil aviation in the rather distant future.
Its central location will be a huge departure hall. In its ceilings, a significant "break" of the mesh shell of the building is planned, which should create impressive lighting effects. Passengers on international and national flights will be divided into two respective zones, one above the other.
The lobby will also play an important role; its space will be divided into three levels, each with its own function: departure, arrival, infrastructure. They will be divided into sections of "traffic" and "stops": the latter will be represented by waiting rooms, shops and cafes. They will be incorporated into the overall "fluid" structure of the airport interior.
The rivals of the workshop of Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas in this architectural competition were, among others, the Bureau of Norman Foster, FOA and gmp.
