Designed and completed in only four years, Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport has opened in time for the Olympics.
The world’s largest building and most advanced airport, the new terminal offers an unparalleled travelling experience, not only technologically, but also in terms of operational efficiency, passenger comfort, sustainability, and access to natural light. A symbol of place, its soaring aerodynamic roof and its dragon-like form celebrate the thrill and poetry of flight. Its gold roof resonates with the Forbidden City, while the striking interior palette of red through orange to yellow evokes traditional Chinese colours.
This is the first building to break the one million square metrebarrier, and is enclosed by a single roof spanning a distance of 3.25 km. The 1.3 million sq ft area is expected to accommodate 50 million passengers by the year 2020.
Norman Foster says, “This new terminal is the largest and most advanced airport building in the world – a celebration of the thrill and poetry of flight. A gateway to Beijing, it communicates a unique sense of place, its dragon-like form evoking traditional Chinese colours and symbols.”
More information from: www.fosterandpartners.com
