UK-based Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Australian firm Cox Architecture have been chosen to design a new airport in Sydney, Australia. As was the case with ZHA's recently-completed Beijing Daxing International Airport in China, the project will feature a degree of sustainable design.
The Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is named after a pioneering Australian pilot and will be located in the burgeoning Parkland City region. The overall design of the airport is inspired by iconic Australian architecture, as well as the natural beauty of the area, and it will have significant landscaping throughout.
"When passengers arrive, they’ll be greeted by a combination of landscaped gardens within a grand public plaza that will offer a great choice of retail, dining and entertainment, says Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Graham Millet. "When passengers enter the terminal they will be immersed in a uniquely Western Sydney International experience with soaring timber ceilings and stunning vertical gardens designed to provide an inviting and relaxing start to their journey. The layout of the terminal will come together with technology and outstanding customer service to give passengers a reliable, fun and stress-free airport experience.”
The project will focus on energy-efficiency. Natural daylight will be maximized inside, as will natural ventilation. Additionally, the building will feature rainwater recycling systems.
The airport will be constructed in four phases, with the initial phase expected to be completed in 2026 and host up to 10 million passengers per year. Eventually, once all four phases are complete, up to 82 million passengers are expected to use the airport yearly.
Sources: ZHA, Western Sydney Airport