Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Airport

Location
AlUla (KSA) 2021
Year
2021
Status
Completed
Typology
Architecture

This small terminal for up to 100 luxury guests, separate from the main airport building, is part of the drive to expand AlUla’s touristic capabilities. The 11-metre-high single-storey structure has a suspended geometry inspired by nearby rock formations: the minimalistic volume with large cantilever stands on a small podium fronted with mirrored security glass.

Materials are almost all natural and local, including crushed stone used for the GRC facade panels and to make the roof look as natural as possible from above. The tailor-made reddish colour of the wall cladding echoes the ever-changing rock colours. Inside are a large reception area and extensive lounge including a cigar room and meeting room for VIP guests and business briefings. A courtyard filled with mirrors and natural light will house an artwork in honour of AlUla’s heritage. Airside gives spectacular views of planes landing and departing against a backdrop of monumental rocks.

Design by Giò Forma for the Royal Commission of AIUIa

The terminal's cantilevered volume clad in reddish panels, floating above a glazed base in the desert – Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2021 – architecture
Distant front view of the terminal across a curving desert approach road planted with shrubs – Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2021 – architectureThe terminal seen beyond a clump of desert grasses under a clear blue sky – Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2021 – architecture
Shaded walkway beneath the cantilevered roof, the mirrored glass facade reflecting the desert – Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2021 – architectureLounge interior in silhouette, a glossy table reflecting a palm sculpture before mountain views – Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2021 – architecture
Landscaped forecourt with curving paths, gravel beds and desert plants, mountains on the horizon – Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2021 – architectureLounge with leather sofas and copper pendant lamps, full-height glazing onto the airfield – Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2021 – architecture