Architecture studio Kohn Pedersen Fox finishes a new terminal design at the Zayed International Airport located in the UAE. It is defined by its undulating roof that is made with inspiration drawn from the look of sand dunes and geometric patterning. The interior is decorated with mosaic stonen flooring and it is supported by arches to form a large interior space without any columns. To combat the desert sun's effects, the roof drapes over the facade to reduce the need for glazing.
Design principal of KPF Mustafa Chehabeddine speaks about the design goals, stating, "From the outset, our goal was for the airport to serve the emirate and represent the city of Abu Dhabi, with a design that referenced its cultural and natural environment. We established a design language for continuity and flow throughout the project, developing a set of guidelines that ensured each element of the terminal, from the check-in desks to the lighting chandeliers, felt as though it belonged in the building."
Image Credit: Victor Romero
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Undulating Roof Design
- Visual and structural inspiration can be drawn from nature, such as sand dunes, to create unique and visually striking architectural designs.
- Geometric Patterning
- Integrating geometric patterns into architectural elements can add visual interest and create a cohesive design language.
- Draped Roofs
- Incorporating draped roof designs can help reduce the need for excessive glazing while providing protection from environmental elements.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture
- Architects and firms can explore innovative roof designs inspired by natural elements to create visually stunning and functional structures.
- Interior Design
- Interior designers can incorporate geometric patterns and natural inspiration into their designs to create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
- Construction
- Construction companies can explore new methods of incorporating draped roof designs to provide sustainable and practical solutions for buildings.
