Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s (SOM) water-garden-inspired proposal has been officially selected as the design for the passenger terminal at Gia Binh International Airport. Commissioned by Masterise Aviation Infrastructure JSC, the “Terminal of Water Gardens” introduces a landscape-driven approach that integrates architecture and nature throughout the passenger experience.
This winning concept was recognised for its technical excellence and forward-looking sustainability strategy, forming a major component of Vietnam’s expanding aviation infrastructure.
A biophilic master plan inspired by Vietnam’s riverine landscapes
The design is grounded in Vietnam’s riverine landscapes, using water, vegetation, and open courtyards to organise the terminal’s spatial sequence. The site is defined by a massive central “green lung”—a series of sunken water gardens and landscaped basins nestled between the terminal’s structural wings.
This biophilic anchor features a prominent circular courtyard with a cascading lily pond and terraced seating, creating a multi-level civic space where passengers can transition between gates via paths integrated directly into the garden landscape. The use of regional, sustainable materials and the integration of local artistry shape a contemporary civic landmark that is deeply rooted in its specific location.
Innovative architecture and the undulating roof canopy
The terminal’s defining architectural gesture is a sweeping, undulating roof canopy. The main terminal building features a rhythmic, wave-like roofline that evokes the fluid movement of water while extending outward to provide deep shading for the glazed façades. Extending from this core are two expansive linear concourses, topped by continuous, sleek white canopies.
Inside, the ceiling is articulated by a dense field of slender linear elements that radiate across the concourse, reinforcing the sense of flow while concealing building services. At the tip of the primary concourse, a circular observation deck capped with a rooftop garden provides a panoramic viewpoint for departing travellers.
Advanced engineering and modular planning for future growth
Integrating architecture and engineering from the earliest stages, the design leverages advanced digital tools and a modular planning strategy to optimise efficiency and flexibility. This allows the terminal to adapt to future technological and passenger demands as the airport grows.
The master plan emphasises operational efficiency and regional identity, featuring a tall, slender control tower finished in warm, earthy tones that acts as a landmark within the sprawling airfield.
The facility utilises a high-capacity pier-and-satellite layout, designed to accommodate a high density of aircraft gates while maintaining a human-centric scale through its “living layers” of terraced balconies and cascading greenery.
Strategic capacity and Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure vision
Planned to handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo annually by 2030, with a long-term vision of 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tons by 2050, the Gia Binh terminal functions as both critical transportation infrastructure and a lush architectural gateway.
Drawing on SOM’s global experience with projects like San Francisco and Kempegowda International Airports, the design creates a hospitable, resort-like programme that reflects Vietnam’s natural heritage while supporting the operational demands of 21st-century global air travel.
