“When passengers enter the terminal they will be immersed in a uniquely Western Sydney International experience with soaring timber ceilings and stunning vertical gardens designed to provide an inviting and relaxing start to their journey,” Western Sydney Airport chief executive Graham Millett said.
“The layout of the terminal will come together with technology and outstanding customer service to give passengers a reliable, fun and stress-free airport experience.”
Sustainability was another key criterion and the winning design stood out for its expansive use of passive design, taking advantage of natural airflows and lighting and efficient solar shading.
Zaha Hadid, no stranger to large scale infrastructure projects, designed the new Beijing Daxing International Airport and the Navi Mumbai International Airport. Cox Architecture are designing the Victoria Cross Station in Sydney and Western Sydney’s new Sydney Coliseum Theatre.
Competition applications were also encourage to “outline how they plan to involve university students with a link to Western Sydney” in producing their design.
“We’re pleased the architectural team has already engaged Western Sydney University students and local Dharug community members during the initial concept design development and we’ll now be working closely with key government, industry and community stakeholders as we further refine and enhance the concepts to arrive at a final design.”
Locals have still not been able to see the facility’s flight paths—which won’t be made available until 2021 for the airport which is is due to open in 2026.
Construction on the terminal is scheduled to start in 2022.