studio fuksas reveals winning design for the new gelendzhik airport in russia

studio fuksas has designed the winning project for the competition to construct the new gelendzhik airport in russia. the new airport will provide connections to eleven domestic destinations, including moscow, st. petersburg, kazan and yekaterinburg, and is set to become a new landmark for the area. as the city’s new gateway, it is designed to guarantee the best quality in terms of spatial experience and natural light control, without forgetting local values.

all images courtesy of studio fuksas

the concept behind the project is inspired by the flight of birds: ‘we didn’t want a static interpretation of a gliding bird, we wanted to capture the moment when the bird suddenly changes direction of flight, thus representing a dynamic and poetic movement.’ the winning design is characterized by the large, smooth, white form that covers the entire airport like a canopy. the architect also placed great importance on the surrounding landscape and uses a large number of typical local trees in the project area.

studio fuksas has also designed the circulation system of the airport area: a one-way ring road, which distributes car and bus flows through the short and long-term parking entrances; the dedicated drop-off zones in front of the main entrance and the bus parking areas. logistical functions are directed to the west side of the terminal, away from the view of passengers. the parking lots are designed not only as service spaces but also as green areas. the aim of the design is to highlight qualities belonging to the local natural environment while also creating a new transport hub and landmark for gelendzhik.

project info:

project name: gelendzhik airport russia

site: gelendzhik, russian federation

location: ul. solncedarskaya, 10, gelendzhik, krasnodarskiykray, russia

appointment: 2018

completion: 2018

client: limited liability company gelendzhik airport

architects: massimiliano and doriana fuksas

interior design: massimiliano and doriana fuksas

area: 7,800 sqm (footprint: 7,800 sqm)