Gelendzhik, Russia
Focusing on the qualities of space, experience and the control of natural light, the Gelendzhik Airport by Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas is made to respect local values and characteristics, fostering a seamless connection with its surrounding landscape to elevate the travel experience for its users.
Inspired by the grace of birds, the majesty of the sea, and the gentle caress of the wind, the organic forms of the airport mirror the dynamic shift of a bird in flight, translating this ephemeral and unpredictable movement into a poetic architectural marvel.
The Gelendzhik Airport project has been awarded a 2024 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Serving as a vital link between Gelendzhik, a premier Black Sea Resort City, and key domestic destinations like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Yekaterinburg, this airport is more than a transport hub‚ it’s an embodiment of contemporary architectural experimentation.
The structure, supported by only nine internal columns and the external reticular pillars, transcends its structural function to become en plein air sculptural elements.
The roof, an intricate three-dimensional assembly of over 2,500 steel spheres and 12,000 bar elements covered with white triangular composite panels, sprawls across 14,500 square meters, asserting its presence as a dynamic and powerful form within the landscape.
Within the champagne-colored anodized aluminum-clad interior pavilions, airport functions seamlessly unfold.
The transparent and energy-performative double-glazed panels of the glass façade create a continuous dialogue between the interior and the surrounding landscape, immersing travelers in a captivating experience.
The interior, adorned with a parametrically designed false ceiling, is a masterpiece of its own.
Enriched by a dynamic integrated lighting system, the ceiling’s aluminum triangles mirror the ever-changing sky, transitioning colors throughout the day and night, presenting travelers with a dynamic sky seemingly shaped by the wind and rippled by the waves of the sea.
A marvel of comfort and sustainability, the airport boasts a centralized system monitoring fire protection, lighting, air conditioning, heating, and air circulation.
Sensors inside and outside the building ensure efficient management, contributing to a remarkable 30% reduction in electricity and water consumption.
Studio Fuksas’ comprehensive vision extends beyond the architectural marvel itself to encompass interior design, unique furniture, wayfinding systems, and exterior landscaping, including parking areas.
Geometric lines echo the pattern of luminous triangles, creating a harmonious visual narrative throughout the space.
The external green areas pay homage to Gelendzhik’s rocky landscape, preserving its natural beauty.
A 1-hectare park, adorned with 6,000 local trees and shrubs, will grace the forecourt, connected by pedestrian and bicycle paths.
The parking area, equipped with private spaces for bicycles, scooters, and charging stations for electric vehicles, embraces sustainable mobility.
Notably, Gelendzhik Airport stands as one of the largest seismically isolated structures in the Krasnodar territory, fortified with 90 support devices in its external pillars, and capable of withstanding earthquakes of up to 8 degrees.
It is not merely an airport; it is a symphony of design, innovation, and environmental stewardship, a true landmark for Gelendzhik and a beacon of architectural excellence.
Project: Gelendzhik Airport
Architects: FUKSAS Studio
Lead Architects: Massimiliano Fuksas and Doriana Fuksas
General Contractor: Gruppo Acons
Client: Ivanovich Aeroporto di Gelendzhik
Photographs: Courtesy of the Architects
