The purpose of the reconstruction is to significantly increase the airport's capacity by creating a major air transport hub in the Persian Gulf. This ambitious task should be fulfilled by the ultra-modern terminal building, which will not only provide passengers with the highest level of comfort, but also set a new environmental standard for the world's airports. The project takes into account the peculiarities of the local climate (the airport is located in one of the hottest places on earth) and uses traditional forms and materials.
The terminal is shaped like a trefoil. Its symmetrically located "blades" (each facade is 1.2 km long) unites an impressive central space 25 meters high. Despite the huge dimensions of the central volume, its design is fully proportional to the person. All the trefoil petals are united by an awning roof, along the axes of which there is a "dotted line" of glazed openings that let in daylight, but reflect direct sunlight (thereby protecting the interior from overheating). The awning extends over the large entrance area, shading it. The roof is supported by tapered concrete columns; their flowing, organic forms emphasize the contrast between the hardness of the material and the dynamic image of the dhow, a traditional Arabian single-masted vessel.
The project will receive a "gold" LEED eco-standard certificate. Thus, Kuwait Airport claims to be the first passenger air terminal in the world to achieve this level of environmental friendliness. The concrete mass provides heat-shielding properties, and the roof has a huge area of built-in solar cells for storing solar energy.
Foster's bureau designed this air hub with a long-term perspective: the airport will initially receive 12 million passengers a year. This figure can be increased to 25 million, and in the future - up to 50 million. “The scale of the airport shows that Kuwait is fully aware of the benefits of strategic investments in infrastructure facilities,” said Mouzhan Majidi, CEO of Foster + Partners … - The environmental ambitions of the project's customers are also impressive. The recognizable shamrock shape can become a symbol of the new modern Kuwait, based on its rich culture and history."
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