Pascall+Watson’s competition entry for a new airport terminal at Cambodia’s Siem Reap International Airport drew its inspiration from the rich traditions and landscapes of the surrounding areas.  

The proposal included a greenfield terminal and associated landside and airside works, with an initial Phase 1 capacity of 3.78 million passengers per annum (mppa) and a final Phase 3 capacity of 15.5 mppa.  

The terminal was conceived as a series of elegant pavilions, watercourses and ‘streets’ set beneath a light, unifying canopy which seems to float overhead. The canopy is the terminal’s defining feature, resembling the geometric motifs found in the murals of the nearby Khmer temples such as Angkor Wat. Powerful and distinctive at any time, the canopy becomes particularly striking in the hours of darkness as illumination gives the appearance of a glowing field of lush tropical flowers. 

Sustainable solutions are employed throughout the scheme significantly reducing the requirement for air conditioning. The canopy incorporates a dramatic rainwater drainage feature which comes into operation during the monsoon season, creating a series of spectacular internal waterfalls.