aedas' rippling terminal for yantai penglai airport echoes nearby mountains

Yantai Penglai International Airport opens terminal 2

Aedas completes the new Terminal 2 of Yantai Penglai International Airport in the Shandong province of China. Located to the south of the existing Terminal 1, the expansion opened to travelers in June 2024, increasing the airport‘s capacity to 23 million passengers and 200,000 tons of cargo annually. According to Aedas, the project adheres to the concept of ‘being holistic, ecological, efficient, flexible, and intelligent.’ Sporting an E-shaped layout with the main building parallel to the runway, the expansion includes a south concourse in various possible configurations, a south apron, a second runway, and car parks. Ultimately, the construction is phased to safeguard future flexibility.

all images © 404 nf studio

aedas introduces air-rail connectivity

The team at Aedes developed the design alongside China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute (CSWADI) and Shanghai New Era Airport Design and Research Institute. This collaboration for the Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2 brings to the table several novelties. For one thing, the expansion introduces railway connectivity to the airport for the first time, increasing accessibility from the city to the airport and facilitating transit between air and rail. Moreover, as a gateway to China for Japan and Korea, Terminal 2 contains nine international/domestic swing gates, optimizing flexibility while dealing with traffic peaks.

Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2

an undulating roof design echoing yantai’s mountainscape

During the early planning stage, Aedas and its partners thoroughly studied the site to fully embrace the existing natural contours and terrain, with the landside and airside area arranged in split-levels. This minimized subsequent excavation required and impact on the environment. Architecturally, the sweeping, undulating roof over the departure hall draws inspiration from the majestic Kunyu Mountain in Yantai. Three sets of integrated skylights accentuate the roofline, giving departing passengers a tremendous first impression as they enter the check-in hall. The positions of the skylights respond to the planning below and continue to guide passengers through the departure processes at Yantai Penglai Airport Terminal 2.

the rippling roof recalls the nearby mountainscape

Yantai Penglai Airport terminal 2 welcomes a light-filled space

Once past security, passengers are greeted by a glazed diagrid dome over the airside landscaped retail atrium. This soaring, light-filled space links the international and domestic concourse levels and brings a sense of openness and natural illumination deep into the heart of the terminal. From the central atrium, linear overhead skylights lead passengers towards their gates, providing generous headroom over the waiting areas. The stone-clad walls and wave-like ceiling evoke the unique coastal landscape of Yantai. The landscaped gate lounges have a playful mix of furniture to let passengers relax, work, and play.

Aedas increases capacity to 23 million passengers and 200,000 tons of cargo annually

Sited on the lowest floor of the terminal, the design of the baggage claim area recalls the timber hulls of Chinese pinks, symbolizing the thousand-year-old Maritime Silk Road. Above the baggage claim hall, the floor plate of the departure’s check-in and processing halls intentionally opened up the design, giving passengers natural light as well as a view of the main roof above.

‘The thoughtful incorporation of natural light, both in the departures hall and the airside atrium, gives these spaces distinctive character and a real sense or place. The terminal’s ambiance creates a serene environment, and helps passengers navigate the space with ease. Drawing our inspiration from Yantai’s mountains and seascape, the dynamic form of the building is tribute to the region’s unique and iconic features,’ concludes Aedas Executive Director Albert Tong.