The league between Aedas, China Northwest Architectural Design & Research Institute, and Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute won the international design competition for the Port Zone Core Area Mixed-use Development adjoining Xi’an Airport’s Terminal 5. It will be focused on cementing the terminal’s place as a multi-functional aviation hub and urban living room for the historical city.
The project is located in the east gateway area of the airport, adjacent to several national cultural relics. The 3 sq km site is rationally partitioned into six blocks to accommodate retail, hotel, office, and high-end service industry. The goal is to preserve Xi’an characteristics while creating a terminal that offers multi-functionality and transport efficiency.
The image of a green valley and flowing silk informs the overall layout. From using abstract geometric forms, the volume is obscured to harmonise with the environment. Aedas Executive Director Dong Wei Wang explains, "The project’s subtle and elegant architectural form merges seamlessly with its surroundings, and through the innovative formats it houses, it will activate the district and drive overall development."