TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Six airports across the globe have earned the prestigious Prix Versailles architecture award, recognized for their excellence in operations, sustainability, and aesthetics.
This international honor highlights outstanding architectural achievements in transportation infrastructure, and among the six winners, two airports are located in Asia.
Each airport has been celebrated for unique design elements that enhance passenger experience while embodying ecological consciousness and cultural identity.
1. Yantai Penglai International Airport – China
Yantai Penglai International Airport’s Terminal 2, covering 167,000 square meters, reflects the scenic beauty of its coastal location in Shandong Province. The terminal’s expansive, wave-like roof and curving forms are inspired by the surrounding natural features, particularly Mount Kunyu.
The E-shaped floor plan was carefully designed to maximize efficiency in passenger circulation while minimizing disruption to the terrain. Natural light is utilized throughout, with interior elements such as colors and materials drawing inspiration from nature
The project was a collaboration between Aedas, CSWADI, and the Shanghai New Era Airport Design and Research Institute.
2. Marseille Provence Airport – France
The redesign of Terminal 1 at Marseille Provence Airport was led by the renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners.
The renovation includes a 22,000 square meter expansion and a restoration of the original 28,000 square meter space, blending the airport’s historic roots (originally designed by Fernand Pouillon in the 1960s and extended by Richard Rogers in the 1990s) with modern functionality.
The terminal now features a high-ceilinged hall reaching 22 meters, composed of 70 percent recycled steel. Its expansive glass facade offers clear views of the Provençal landscape and the nearby maritime lagoon, emphasizing openness and sustainability.
3. Roland Garros Airport – Réunion Island, France
The newly constructed Arrivals Terminal at Roland Garros Airport spans 13,000 square meters and stands out as the world’s first bioclimatic tropical airport building. Designed by AIA Life Designers, the terminal responds to the island’s vulnerability to climate change by integrating eco-conscious architecture.
A striking architectural highlight is the central 'canyon', a structure that shapes the building while functioning as a thermal chimney, promoting passive cooling and natural airflow.
Additionally, the facade is equipped with 830 sensor-controlled mesh window panels that adjust based on real-time weather conditions, optimizing comfort and energy use. The terminal also benefits the local economy, with 91 percent of businesses involved in the project based on the island.
Portland International Airport in Oregon, United States. Shutterstock
4. Kansai International Airport – Japan
Originally designed by Renzo Piano, Kansai International Airport has long been noted for its signature aerodynamic roof and offshore location. In a recent update by the design firm Populous, the interior has been modernized to reflect a serene Japanese aesthetic using natural-toned materials.
The renovation also introduced a smart queuing system, enhancing efficiency in passenger processing. With the upgrades, the airport’s capacity for handling international travelers has increased by 25 percent, reinforcing its role as a major hub in East Asia.
5. Portland International Airport – United States
The redesigned Main Terminal of Portland International Airport in Oregon was crafted by ZGF Architects. Drawing from Oregon’s natural heritage, the design features a dramatic undulating wood roof that stretches across 36,000 square meters.
This roof structure is both a nod to the region’s timber industry and an environmental innovation that brings natural light deep into the terminal space. The forest-inspired design offers a tranquil and immersive experience, aiming to reduce traveler stress and reconnect passengers with nature.
6. San Francisco International Airport – United States
At San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 1 has undergone a major renovation, introducing 25 new departure gates and emphasizing sustainability. In collaboration with the architectural firm Gensler, the project successfully reduced the terminal’s carbon footprint by 79 percent and energy usage by 59 percent.
Art and design are central to the terminal’s identity, with handcrafted elements and a strong Bay Area cultural presence. Passengers can also visit the on-site SFO Museum, the only accredited museum within a U.S. airport.
These six award-winning airports exemplify how thoughtful design can enhance both form and function, setting new global standards for travel architecture.
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