Suvarnabhumi Airport was one of my first introductions to modern airport design. The new Bangkok airport terminal was completed in 2006 using architect Helmut Jahn‘s signature structurally-informed yet elegant style. It was a striking contrast to the horrendous old airport that used to serve the Thai Capitol! 14 years later, I’ve passed through the airport countless times and it’s always been architecturally delightful experience (even when the customs queues are long)!
The wide spans of the impressive glass departures hall are supported by a series of bowed interlocking trusses, expressive of structural forces and almost ornamental.
The structure is made up of an incredibly complex assemblage of elements that combine to create an open, airy and light-filled space.
One of the most interesting elements of the terminal is the interface between the departure/arrivals hall and a massive multiple stacked road deck. The dramatically cantilevered roof of the main hall (which covers the drop-off area) is supported by a series of impressive H-shaped columns, which occupy the interstitial space between the airport and the city.
I made this painting of the building in 2006 after my first visit to the newly-opened airport.
After passing through the rectangular departures/arrival hall, a number of translucent tubes lead towards the gates. The concourse tubes are clad in a sequence of glass and fabric tented openings, providing natural daylight while also providing shade from the tropical sun. The building features a low-power adaptive cooling system designed by innovative climate engineers Transsolar.
Images by Jonathan Choe
