This building subverts the typical massing of such terminals by creating man-made valleys between the interior spaces and fragmented exterior masses. These engage with the landscape by abstracting the natural terrain. The airport is primarily used during the summer so an over-sailing roof plane is detached from the structure, allowing air to circulate and further cohering the halls and piers. Passenger movement is simplified with one floor each for arriving and departing passengers and clearly defined commercial areas. Materials are deliberately dark and raw in contrast to the soulless monotony of a typical terminal. The contract type required simultaneous design and construction, adding to the complexity of the scheme.
Source:
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.