An inaugural launch ceremony has marked the opening of a new terminal building at Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The new building, which was designed by Foster + Partners, is located 20km south of the city centre, and is comprised of a central head house and two aerofoil shaped piers.
The project’s first phase, the head house and northern pier, were opened to the public in September, with the southern pier planned to be open by 2030.
Prioritising short walking distances, clear sightlines and simple orientation; the terminal has been designed to make navigation as easy as possible for those passing through the airport.
All passenger processing, security and immigration stations are housed by a single overarching roof canopy stretching from drop-off to airside. The terminal’s modular roof is supported by structural ‘trees’ spanning 36-metres each.
Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said:Techo International Airport is a celebration of Cambodian culture and light – forming a new gateway to the country. It is also one of the most sustainable airports in the region, filled with natural daylight and incredible local greenery, and offering strong visual connections to the outside.
The terminal holistically transforms the experience of travel for the people of Cambodia and the millions of visitors who will travel through here every year.
The airport itself aims to become one of the greenest in the world, integrating architectural design and engineering to reduce its carbon footprint. The building’s overhanging roof has been specificallt designed to provide shade for both the drop-off areas and interior spaces, reducing the need for ay mechanical ventilation.
A new high-speed rail link has also been planned for future phases of airport development, reducing the need for car traffic to and from the airport.
