THE first preview of Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird Walton) International Airport has been unveiled.
Western Sydney Airport chief executive Graham Millett said an architectural team made up of London-based Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture in Sydney was chosen from more than 40 entrants as the winners of the terminal precinct design competition.
“The brief was to design an airport that the people of Western Sydney can be proud of and provide a real sense of place that pays tribute to the natural landforms, history and features of Greater Sydney,” Mr Millett said.
“While the exterior of the terminal complements the natural landscape beautifully, we’ve always said that our focus was on the customer journey within the terminal and that really shines through in these concept designs.”
He said sustainability was another key criterion and the winning design stood out for its use of passive design, taking advantage of natural airflows and lighting and efficient solar shading.
ZHA project director Cristiano Ceccato said it was an honour to have been selected and that the “design is an evolution of Australian architecture past, present and future”.
COX project director David Holm said the design took inspiration from “the unique local flora of Western Sydney and the Great Australian Light to create an unmistakable regional identity”.
Zaha Hadid Architects 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 Sydney Coliseum Theatre.
A decision on a winning concept was made by a panel of some of prominent Australian architects including Yvonne von Hartel, Peter Poulet and Kim Crestani.
Mr Millett said the architects would consult with groups across the community as they refine the initial concept 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,” he said.
Western Sydney International is to open in 2026.
