Roland Garros Airport Terminal on Réunion Island Cooled by Natural Ventilation, No Air Conditioning
The new arrivals terminal at Roland Garros airport on Réunion island debuted in 2024, showcasing a sustainable design that utilizes natural air circulation instead of conventional air conditioning. Its innovative roofing creates a low-pressure zone that directs wind through adjustable vents, supported by ceiling fans to improve airflow. During summer temperatures can reach 30°C, the terminal maintains a comfortable environment, lowering the temperature by approximately 4-5 degrees. Initiated in 2016 by Marc Delanoë with AIA Life Designers and architect Olivier Brabant, the €75 million project saves €150,000 on energy costs each year while significantly decreasing carbon emissions.
Key facts
- The arrivals terminal at Roland Garros airport on Réunion island opened in 2024 and uses natural ventilation instead of air conditioning.
- The roof curves upward from each long side and ends abruptly to form a canyon, creating low pressure that funnels wind through adjustable vents.
- Ceiling fans with a 7.5-metre diameter help circulate air, reducing perceived temperature by four to five degrees in 30C humid summers.
- The project began in 2016 as part of the airport's effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
- Marc Delanoë, now sustainable development director, insisted from the start that the terminal would not use air conditioning.
- The lead architect was AIA Life Designers, which partnered with local architect Olivier Brabant.
- The terminal cost €75m, including €15m for a baggage sorting system and €60m for the building.
- Since opening two years ago, the airport has saved €150,000 annually in energy bills, about 60% compared with an air-conditioned building, and carbon emissions are lower by a factor of eight.
Entities
Artists
- Marc Delanoë
- Éric Bussolino
- Olivier Brabant
- Delphine Robert
Institutions
- Roland Garros airport
- AIA Life Designers
- Studio Lumière
- The Guardian
Locations
- Réunion
- France
- Madagascar
- Indian Ocean