Beijing Daxing International Airport by Zaha Hadid Architects

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, opened after five years of construction. The terminal, nicknamed The Starfish, reinterprets a traditional Chinese spatial model with a central hub radiating multiple wings, reducing distances between check-in desks and gates. Located less than 50 kilometers south of Beijing, the airport initially serves 45 million passengers annually, with future expansion planned. ZHA collaborated with ADP Ingeniérie on skylight design, photovoltaic energy systems, and rainwater collection. The project evokes the archetype of a central courtyard surrounded by rooms, blending functional efficiency with architectural tradition.