Imagine an airport that doesn’t just sit in a landscape but becomes part of it, blending seamlessly with mist-covered hills and the graceful flight of birds. That’s exactly what Chinese studio MAD has achieved with the newly opened Lishui Airport in China—a sculptural, silver-white terminal that feels like a natural extension of its mountainous surroundings. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can architecture truly merge with nature without sacrificing functionality? Let’s dive in.
Nestled within a low mountain range just 15 kilometers southwest of Lishui city in Zhejiang province, this airport is more than just a travel hub—it’s a statement. Spanning 2,267 hectares, the site houses a curved terminal building that covers 12,000 square meters. With eight aircraft parking bays, it’s designed to serve up to one million domestic passengers annually. And this is the part most people miss: despite its compact design, the terminal feels surprisingly spacious and inviting, thanks to its warm, wood-lined interior.
MAD’s founder, Ma Yansong, explains, ‘We used materials with warm tones and natural textures to create a bright and airy interior.’ By adopting a one-and-a-half-story layout, the airport strikes a balance between efficiency and comfort, fostering a dialogue with the surrounding nature. The roof, clad in silver-white aluminum panels, reflects changing light and weather conditions, mimicking the misty hills and soaring birds that inspired its design.
Here’s the bold part: MAD claims this project was one of the ‘most topographically complex airport projects in East China,’ due to the extensive earthworks required to level the site. Fourteen umbrella-shaped structural columns support the lightweight, sculptural roof, which features a long skylight that floods the terminal with natural light. Curtain walls frame breathtaking views of the mountains, while a sunken car park, landscaped central promenade, and double-height entrance hall complete the design.
Looking ahead, the airport is expected to grow significantly, with passenger numbers projected to reach 1.8 million by 2030 and five million by 2050, when an international terminal is planned. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As airports expand to meet demand, how can we ensure they remain harmonious with their environments?
MAD, founded by Yansong in Beijing in 2004, has a portfolio that includes the Fenix museum in Rotterdam, where they designed giant staircases as a ‘living room for people.’ In China, the studio is also behind the feather-like Terminal 3 at Changchun Longjia International Airport and the snowflake-shaped Harbin Airport Terminal Three. Each project pushes the boundaries of design, but Lishui Airport stands out for its poetic integration with nature.
So, what do you think? Does Lishui Airport succeed in blending architecture with nature, or is it just another functional space with a pretty facade? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
