Incheon International Airport is South Korea’s largest and busiest airport. A destination in itself, the behemoth airport offers everything from a golf course to boutique shopping and even an indoor ice skating rink. To distinguish Terminal 2 from its predecessor, Gensler Architects and HMGY emphasize energy efficiency strategies in their design, such as the optimization of natural ventilation and lighting and the large-scale installation of photovoltaic cells.
In addition to its emphasis on sustainability, highlights of the new 7.4-million square foot terminal include: a greater diversity of lush outdoor features, including running waterfalls and acres of themed gardens; an entire shopping district; and luxury lifestyle centers.
Architects also hope that their focus on sustainability will educate and inspire environmental stewardship in the millions of passengers who use the terminal every year. “We can be part of the overall solution of reducing negative impacts,” Terence Young, design director at Gensler, told Fast Company.
To ground the design in Korean culture the architects designed Terminal 2 in the shape of a phoenix, the Korean mythical beast associated with authority, longevity, strength and balance. The airport will also be built using locally sourced materials such as locally quarried granite and regionally harvested wood. The new terminal is set to open in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
+ Gensler
Via Fast Co.Exist
