The new Lishui Airport in China will be inspired by birds in flight
MAD Architects has revealed the blueprint for Lishui Airport, the inaugural air hub catering to the ‘forest city’ of Lishui in China’s Zhejiang Province. Nestled amidst verdant greenery and valleys 15 kilometers southwest of the urban center, the airport is meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. Emphasizing reverence for the original hilly terrain, the design seamlessly integrates accessibility for travelers. This commitment to the mountainous setting is echoed in the airport’s holistic structure and organic roofing.
Inspired by MAD Architects’ vision that “Lishui is a garden city, and her airport should also be in a garden,” the design underscores a focus on human-centered experience rather than sheer scale. The architects aspire to forge a communal area that champions convenience and mirrors the essence of the city’s identity.
At the heart of Lishui Airport lies its distinctive silver-white cantilevered roof, conceived by the MAD Architects team as a representation of flight. Resembling a poised white-feathered bird about to soar, this design evokes a fitting image for an airport. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the avian-inspired structure serves a functional purpose, harmonizing the airport with the nearby mountains by gracefully adapting to the natural elevation shifts.
The building will stand nearly 79 feet tall and cover an area of approximately 130,000 square feet. Inside, the airport will boast an appealing curved wood finish along with a substantial central skylight. This design will be complemented by expansive windows to enhance the influx of natural light. The layout is carefully organized for seamless travel, with departure facilities conveniently situated on the ground floor for easy accessibility, while the waiting areas will be positioned upstairs.
The design of Lishui Airport is forward-looking, anticipating future expansion. It is estimated that passenger capacity will increase to 1.8 million by 2030 and five million by 2050. Additionally, plans entail the construction of an international terminal to meet upcoming travel needs. Completion of Lishui Airport’s construction is anticipated by the end of 2024, bringing this distinctive “bird in a garden” concept to life for the city.
Images: Courtesy MAD Architects
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