Hong Kong International Airport

The architecture of the Hong Kong International Airport always intrigued and impressed me. Whenever I visit it as a traveller or to meet an arriving friend I am inquisitively inspecting the construction details and am usually spellbound by the simplicity of the overall design concept. Usually I default into shooting casual photo of the structure, for no special reason and not thinking why. The building has that effect on me.

It is situated 30 km west of Hong Kong Island and one has to take a rapid transit train to get to it, but that’s another story for the planning and political heads of the local government. What I do miss is the dramatic landing and take off experience at the former air terminal on Hong Kong Island: The Tai Tak International Air Port, which was situated to the east in Victoria Harbour.

On the 5^th July 2011 I finally sat down and did a quick sketch that illustrates the unique barrel vault structural system designed and developed by Foster & Associates. Because of my familiarity with this terminal building when I travel to another city I am keenly looking at their terminal buildings and comparing them in my mind with Foster’s masterpiece.