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UK-based global architecture firm Foster + Partners has won a competition to design the masterplan for King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The firm said in a press statement that the Airport is expected to be one of the world’s largest airports covering an area of approximately 57 square kilometres, allowing for six parallel runways and including the existing terminals named after King Khalid.
The project was announced last month by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Luke Fox, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “Looking forward to the future, the new King Salman International Airport reimagines the traditional terminal as a single concourse loop, served by multiple entrances. The terminal is very much of its place and connects passengers to the sensory experiences of the city, with natural elements, tempered light and state-of-the-art facilities.”
The project will also include 12 square kilometres of airport support facilities, residential and recreational facilities, retail outlets, and other logistics real estate, the statement said.
It said the airport aims to accommodate up to 120 million travellers by 2030 and 185 million travellers, with the capacity to process 3.5 million tonnes of cargo, by 2050.
The new airport will aim for LEED Platinum certification and will be powered by renewable energy,
Seif A Bahaa Eldin, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, added: “This visionary development will play an important role in shaping the city into a global hub of creativity and innovation.”
(Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon)
