Construction starts on King Salman International Airport, set for completion by 2030, with plans to make it the globe's largest.
The King Salman International Airport, currently under construction in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is set to become one of the world's largest airports, spanning an impressive 57 square kilometers. This ambitious project, led by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, aims to establish Riyadh as a major global air and logistics hub in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The airport will boast six runways and seven terminals, capable of accommodating up to 100 million travelers each year. Key features include a 12-square-kilometer residential and recreational area, complete with retail outlets, and the Wadi Loop, a green infrastructure that connects landscaping and real estate developments within the airport.
The design emphasizes seamless, intuitive movement through the terminal, natural ventilation, climate-controlled lighting, and reliance on renewable energy. The architectural design of the main terminal connects to natural elements through large windows framing the surrounding context.
The objectives of this expansion project are multifaceted. Besides accommodating a substantial increase in passenger traffic, it aims to stimulate economic sectors such as transport, trade, and tourism by enhancing airport capacity and connectivity. Additionally, it integrates sustainable design elements and green infrastructure for environmental efficiency and improved user experience.
The King Salman International Airport is expected to replace and expand upon the existing King Khaled International Airport's capacity and facilities, with a state-of-the-art complex scheduled for completion by 2030.
Foster + Partners is also involved in other notable projects, such as the Bilbao Fine Art Museum project, due for completion this year, and the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in London. For more information about Foster + Partners and their projects, visit fosterandpartners.com.
Subscribing to their newsletter provides daily inspiration, escapism, and design stories from around the world. The King Salman International Airport, as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, is designed to be a beacon of modern architecture and sustainable design, poised to transform the nation into a global logistics hub.
- The King Salman International Airport, as a beacon of modern architecture and sustainable design, is expected to stimulate growth in various sectors, such as finance, technology, and lifestyle, by attracting tourists and businesses to Riyadh.
- The airport's integration of green infrastructure and renewable energy, like the Wadi Loop and climate-controlled lighting, reflects the commitment to technological advancements in the transportation industry.
- As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the King Salman International Airport's enhancement of travel connections and logistics capacity could foster the expansion of industries like trade and transportation, ultimately influencing the country's overall lifestyle and economic development.
