ARUP

Visitors flying to the 2008 Olympic Games will arrive at the world's most advanced airport.  Beijing International Airport's stunning Terminal 3 sets global standards for passenger experience, operational efficiency and sustainability. It provides a modern gateway to China and a new design icon for the city of Beijing.

The striking terminal building is designed around the people who will use it -passengers, crew and airport staff - to be as welcoming and functional as possible. There are few changes of level, short distances between destinations and quick transfer times.  

Already China's busiest airport, the addition of Terminal 3 and a third runway will enable Beijing International Airport to cater for over 80 million passengers per year.

Beijing International Airport Terminal 3 is one of the world's most sustainable airport terminal buildings, designed to respond to Beijing's cold winters and hot summers.  Its soaring, aerodynamic roof uses skylights to make the most of the sun's heat and light, bathing passengers in shades of red and gold as they move through the lofty building.  

Separate water systems for drinking and non-potable use, such as flushing toilets, preserve water.  Shading has been incorporated into the design to reduce the need for cooling. Combining natural daylight with intelligent use of lighting minimises the building's energy consumption.

The expansion of Beijing International Airport is driven by China's economic growth following its entry to the World Trade Organisation and the dramatic increase in passenger numbers generated by the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The modular structure of Beijing International Airport Terminal 3 enabled a very fast construction programme. It took just over four years from the start of the design work to the Terminal's opening in February 2008.