foster + partners articulates taiwan airport terminal proposal around linear garden

foster + partners articulates taiwan airport terminal proposal around linear garden
all images courtesy of foster + partners / taiwan taoyuan international airport

earlier this month, it was announced that rogers stirk harbour + partners (RSH+P) had been chosen to complete a new terminal at taiwan’s taoyuan international airport. in winning the contest, RSH+P saw off competition from UNStudio, who placed second, and foster + partners, who finished third. take a look at the proposal from norman foster and his team below.

the design is strongly influenced by taiwan’s distinct climatic conditions

the design is strongly influenced by taiwan’s distinct climatic conditions as well as the airport’s undulating backdrop of the zhongyang mountains — the form of which is referenced in the building’s sweeping roofline. the proposal also celebrates the nation’s diverse flora and fauna, with a lush garden boasting abundant indigenous plant species. this green spine, arranged along the central axis, intuitively guides passengers through check-in, security, immigration, and departures, providing a welcome contrast to the harder finishes in the terminal.

the form of the neighboring mountains is referenced in the building’s sweeping roofline

the use of vegetation is designed to reduce the anxiety and stress normally associated with air travel, allowing passengers and visitors to connect with more natural and familiar surroundings. the choice of planting represents the various regions of taiwan, informing and educating visitors about the country’s indigenous landscape. in total, the linear garden spine covers over 30,000 square meters.

see designboom’s previous coverage of the competition here.

the proposal celebrates the nation’s diverse range of flora and fauna

the lush garden boasts abundant indigenous plant species

the scheme includes a variety of retail outlets

an aerial view of the proposed design

floor plan indicating the terminal’s spatial layout