Jaunted

Currently Kuwait International can handle 7 million passengers annually, but this isn't good enough; they want 13, 25 50 million, as the planned new terminals will be flexible like that and easily expanded. Oh, and of course they're aiming to attain LEED Gold eco-friendly certification, making it the first airport terminal to do so if they manage it.

For all you true airport geeks, here's the major details in the press release:

The terminal has a trefoil plan, comprising three symmetrical wings of departure gates. Each façade spans 1.2 kilometres and all extend from a dramatic 25-metre-high central space. The terminal balances the enclosure of this vast area with a design that is highly legible at a human scale – for simplicity and ease of use there are few level changes.

To further aid orientation, the building is planned under a single roof canopy, punctuated by glazed openings that filter daylight, while deflecting direct solar radiation. The canopy extends to shade a generous entrance plaza and is supported by tapering concrete columns – their fluid, organic forms draw inspiration from the contrast between the solidity of the stone and the shape and movement of Kuwait’s traditional dhow sailing boats.

Construction should begin next year in 2012, with an opening expected in 2016 or 2017.

[Photos: Foster + Partners]