The futuristic terminal will cover an area of 270,000 square meters at the Lunjia Airport in Changchun, located in the Jilin province of northeastern China. This functional, cozy, and green terminal, designed to resemble a giant feather, is expected to welcome around 22 million passengers each year.
The architectural design firm MAD Architects, based in Beijing, has unveiled a project that has already garnered its first awards in international competitions. The firm is led by the renowned architect Ma Yansong, who continually astounds the world with his space-age concepts.
The terminal project was developed in collaboration with the China Airport Planning and Design Institute and the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design.
What Makes the New Terminal Special
According to MAD Architects, the new terminal is designed to offer visitors to Changchun a calm and cozy atmosphere, both inside and out.
First and foremost, travelers will be struck by the terminal’s unique fan-shaped design. From above, it resembles a monumental feather, serving as a nod to the white-winged aircraft that effortlessly soar into the sky.
As travelers approach the terminal, they will find themselves surrounded by lush nature—forests, lakes, meadows, and hills. Inside, guests will encounter what is referred to as the “cold zone garden,” which reflects the natural environment of the region, complete with its characteristic trees, soils, and water features.
The architects designed the new terminal to seamlessly connect with the two existing terminals. Passengers will access boarding through 54 gates, as reported by Designboom. Direct exits to the subway station, parking lot, and high-speed rail are also planned.
The terminal’s roof allows natural light to fill the space, enriched with abundant greenery. The eco-friendly wooden ceiling, featuring large skylights, harmoniously integrates with the dynamic interior.
As the design team noted, the terminal’s green design responds to humanity’s enduring need for connection with both people and plants. This interaction is embodied in a structure as light as a feather, floating in the air.