The huge airport that's 5,300 miles from the UK named the world's 'prettiest'

When the family is trying hard to work as a cohesive unit during the holiday rush and crowds are stopping you all from getting to the gate on time, it can be difficult to admire your surroundings as you rush for the plane. But airports are increasingly trying to make their habitats more scenic and tranquil for their passengers in a bid to make the experience more pleasurable and boost traveller numbers. 

Several travel hubs were commended for their efforts in sustainability, appearance and practicality at the recent Prix Versailles which released their list of the world's most beautiful airports. Secretary General of the organisation, Jérôme Gouadain, emphasised how even functional spaces like departure terminals or check-in desks can benefit from a more thoughtful design.

He said: “The mark left by airports stems chiefly from their ever-growing role in international exchanges. As a result, this infrastructure must resolve formidable difficulties in terms of flow management and the aircraft themselves. But this new brand of facilities can also be seen as works of art, or at least as things of beauty. In fact, we should strive to make this happen, given their inescapability in our built environments and our landscapes.”

The prestigious award also prioritises “intelligent sustainability” in airport design, according to Euro News. 

The number one spot went to Yantai Penglai International Airport’s Terminal Two in China. Spanning 167,000 square metres, the architecture of the new building pays homage to Yantai’s unique coastal landscape and was impressive enough to get the nod from judges. 

The well-thought-out plans saw the airport pay homage to the majestic Kunyu Mountain for the undulating shapes and sweeping roofline of the terminal. Aedas, in collaboration with CSWADI and the Shanghai New Era Airport Design and Research Institute, worked together to bring the hub to life which saw an e-shaped layout developed.

This innovation was deemed as a way to optimise passenger flow while minimising environmental impacts on the surrounding areas close to the airport. The design was praised for being open, light and airy. 

In second place, the Architects Foster + Partners recently designed a bright, new structure to unify Terminal One at Marseille Provence Airport, in France. The French airport boasts a 22,000 square metre extension judges said “conveys peace and relaxation without expanding the terminal's footprint on the ground." 

Featuring a window-lined hall that stands 22 metres in height, the building incorporates 70% recycled steel and the roof hosts a grid of skylights framed with polished aluminium which promotes natural ventilation. 

Rounding out the top three and technically located in the area of a different continent was the new 13,000 square metre Arrivals Terminal of Roland Garros Airport on Réunion Island. The world's first tropical bioclimatic airport terminal structure at this size was achieved by local businesses working together. Of the firms involved, 91% of them were from the island and their combined expertise came up with the idea of creating a central 'canyon'. 

This feature forms the function of the building, acting as a thermal chimney and enabling natural ventilation. 

Réunion Island is subject to increasingly intense weather, so 830 sets of shutters connected to sensors on the façades adjust their angles in real time in response to changing conditions — allowing the airport to adjust accordingly.

The Prix Versailles judges said the design of the airport “has delivered a sensory journey for travellers through the extensive use of wood and native vegetation, in a living expression of the island’s landscape and culture.”