Foster + Partner wins competition to design new terminal for Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia

Foster + Partner wins competition to design new terminal for Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia

Foster + Partners announced on Thursday that it has won an international competition to design a new terminal for Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer Region. 

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman had launched the master plan for the airport in October.

The UK-based architectural firm said in a press statement that the new terminal's design is inspired by the nearby Rijal Almaa village, and heralds a new typology of airport design with interconnected human-scale clusters, outdoor courtyards and walkways that bring in fresh air, greenery and natural light.

Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “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.”

The modular form is arranged in clusters, between the drop off zone and the apron. Buildings are tapered and vary in height to reflect the distinctive architectural character of