THE PHILIPPINES. Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s Terminal 2 has won a prestigious award at the World Architecture Festival.
The terminal, which was developed by a consortium led by India’s GMR Group, won in the Completed Buildings -Transport category. It faced competition in the category from Singapore Jewel Changi Airport, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, Sydney Australia’s Barangaroo Ferry Wharf, and several other structures.
The World Architecture Festival was held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands between 4 and 6 December. The judging panel recognised Mactan-Cebu as a “simple and elegant” new airport that uses many locally sourced materials and is well integrated into terminal design and landscape plan.
“The World Architecture award to resort-themed Terminal 2 is testimony to GMR Group’s credentials as a leading global airport developer and operator,” said GMR Group Energy and International Airports Chairman Srinivas Bommidala.
“Due to its intelligent and aesthetically beautiful design with use of local materials, the terminal not only provides a memorable travel experience but has also touched the chords of local people making it an immensely popular tourist spot.”
The terminal was designed by Hong Kong-based Integrated Design Associates, with local designers Budji Layug, Royal Pinda, and Cebu’s Kenneth Cobonpue. The roof, which is made out of wood, is the most recognisable element. The structure is composed of an array of glulam (glue-laminated) arches, which form the roof curvature and define its geometry and modularity.
The arches span every 30 metres allowing the terminal to be as column-free as possible. The white alpine’s wood has a service life of about 200 years and requires a protective coating every 50 years.
The retail area in the terminal spans approximately 3,000sq m, and features an 895sq m walk-through duty free store operated by Duty Free Philippines which complements the look and feel of the terminal.
The new terminal features prominently in a special eZine dedicated to the fast-changing travel retail market in the Philippines published by The Moodie Davitt Report.
