UNESCO names Suvarnabhumi one of the world's six most beautiful airports

[snoop1130]

 

Thai architecture is making global headlines as Suvarnabhumi International Airport secures a spot on UNESCO's list of the six most beautiful airports worldwide for 2024. The interest in Suvarnabhumi doesn't stop there, with the exquisite SAT-1 terminal earning a nomination for the sought-after Prix Versailles Award for the world's most stunning airport design.

 

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of Thailand, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, expressed enthusiastic pride in the recognition. Under the savvy steerage of the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), Suvarnabhumi Airport has earned laudable international attention.

 

SAT-1, the architectural masterwork, is a breathtakingly expansive four-storey terminal with two basement tiers, stretching an incredible 216,000 square metres. Earning its nomination, SAT-1 wields a balance of modern design and traditional Thai identity, all within a framework built for sustainability.

 

 

Inside, the third floor boasts a captivating elephant sculpture, embracing departing passengers alongside a curated garden populated with mythical Thai creatures – Kinnara, Kinnari, and Hongsa. Arriving passengers are not without their share of charm, welcomed by a mobile garden comprising traditional Thai arts, puppetry and Khon masks.

 

The Thai flavour stretches even to the building ends, hosting Buddha statues Suwannabupbok and Ratanabupbok, emulating their counterparts at Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, symbolising prosperity. Even the restroom interiors captivate the eye, adorned with arts and motifs embodying Thailand's four regions, equipped with water-conserving utilities.

 

Nominated along with world-class contenders, including Terminal E at Logan, USA; Terminal 2 at Changi, Singapore; Zayed, UAE; Felipe Ángeles, Mexico; and Kansas City, USA, Suvarnabhumi's prestige is irrefutable. As the expectant world awaits the Prix Versailles results this December, it is undeniable that Suvarnabhumi Airport has set the loftiest bar in airport design.

 

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-14

 

 

[ikke1959]

Outside yes, inside not very beautiful in fact boring

[josephbloggs]

12 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Outside yes, inside not very beautiful in fact boring

I think the outside looks great - pretty unique, and it has some nice gardens and sculptures etc. Inside I agree is bland although again there are interesting artworks and sculptures if you haven't become jaded by seeing them a million times. Always see tourists taking photos with the Giant Ramayana statues in the check in building, also the Churning of the Milk thing after immigration always has a crowd.

Haven't been to SAT-1 yet but does look cool from the pictures.

 

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai architecture is making global headlines as Suvarnabhumi International Airport secures a spot on UNESCO's list

 

Designed by these famous Thai architects?

 

The new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok resulted from an international competition and established the basis of collaboration between Werner Sobek, Matthias Schuler, and Helmut Jahn.

[josephbloggs]

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Designed by these famous Thai architects?

 

The new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok resulted from an international competition and established the basis of collaboration between Werner Sobek, Matthias Schuler, and Helmut Jahn.

Yawn.

So Suvarnabhumi can't get any praise because it was designed by a foreign company? Right.

Weird how when people on here complain about it - the long walks, the bus gates (because international and domestic are designed to be non interchangeable), the cavernous spaces - they blame the Thais.

Boring.