Foster + Partners has been selected to design the new terminal at Abha International Airport (AHB) in Aseer, Saudi Arabia.
The terminal’s design is inspired by the nearby Rijal Almaa village, consisting of interconnected human-scale clusters, outdoor courtyards and walkways. This will bring fresh air, greenery and natural light into the airport environment.
In doing so, this project aims to set a benchmark for a new typology of airport terminals.
“Learning from the local vernacular, our terminal guides passengers through a series of inviting human-scale spaces and connects them with green courtyards, which are open to the elements. This is a complete reinvention of the airport as we know it, with an emphasis on traditional Aseeri details, local materials and terraced landscaping. It is both a celebration of – and an introduction to – the beauty of the Aseer Region.”
Abha International Airport’s new terminal will have a modular form arranged in clusters between the passenger drop-off zone and the apron. Its buildings will be tapered and will vary in height to reflect the region’s architecture.
This design provides flexibility to allow the airport to efficiently expand in line with future demand.
In addition, the design has been optimised for the region’s climate, taking advantage of prevailing winds to optimise natural ventilation. The solid stone walls and diffused daylighting will also help keep the inside spaces cool and comfortable.
