From The Star

PHNOM PENH: The under-construction Techo International Airport (TIA), Cambodia’s largest once completed, is among the most important public infrastructures, reflecting its status as a gateway to the capital and its crucial role in the global economy, according to the heads of Foster + Partners, the firm that designed the facility.

It said the project represents a new vision for Phnom Penh, with a design that draws inspiration from the country’s ancient civilisation, its traditional forms and the tropical climate.

It added that construction of the airport, located about 20km south of the city centre, is progressing swiftly.

The firm’s master plan for the hub includes a state-of-the-art terminal at the heart of a new airport city. It aims to provide the highest levels of passenger experience and set new standards for sustainability.

Stefan Behling, head of studio at Foster, commented on the airport’s importance as a symbolic gateway and its role in the globalised economy.

“The new airport will be an important part of Phnom Penh’s development as the nation’s primary inter-regional, inter-modal transport hub,” he said.

According to the company, the terminal building features a central head the nation’s primary inter-regional, inter-modal transport hub,” he said.

“The roof – supported by structural trees spanning 36m– is a lightweight steel grid shell, with an innovative screen that filters daylight and illuminates the vast terminal space.

"Designed to be highly legible at a human scale, there are minimal level changes throughout the terminal and views out to the apron to improve clarity and make movement intuitive. Interior materials are warm and welcoming, evoking the Cambodian vernacular in a contemporary manner,” it stated.

Nikolai Malsch, senior partner at Foster, emphasised the airport’s symbolic significance.

“If nothing changes, the project will be completed by the end of 2024. We expect the airport to open in the first half of 2025, following pilot testing and certification for flight,” he stated.

 

Not sure two new airports are Cambodia,s  most pressing needs. 

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

Not sure two new airports are Cambodia,s  most pressing needs. 

How right you are. Also built with Chinese loans, 50 year contracts, with onerous provisions I'm told. However very high 'brokerage fees'! 

1 hour ago, Keithambrose said:

How right you are. Also built with Chinese loans, 50 year contracts, with onerous provisions I'm told. However very high 'brokerage fees'! 

China's version of soft power that turns to rock as time passes. The grift that keeps on giving.

32 minutes ago, reader said:

China's version of soft power that turns to rock as time passes. The grift that keeps on giving.

Indeed.