Designs for the expansion of Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah Airport), and in particular the new Terminal 2, feature distinctive modular steel palm tree shaped columns that symbolise peace and prosperity, echoing the architectural identity of the existing Terminal. Here, Project Director Massimiliano Martinenghi compares the structural steel frame of Terminal 1 with the proposed Terminal 2 building, a key element of the design which has evolved to provide a more efficient solution.

Scott Brownrigg’s designs for the expansion of Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah Airport) will enhance the passenger experience and accommodate an increase of up to 17 million passengers per year by 2028, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to attract more international visitors to the Kingdom.

The existing Terminal 1 building, designed and delivered by Scott Brownrigg in 2014, will be converted into a dedicated international airport with a newly renovated terminal to cater for Hajj and Umrah charter flights. The airport’s domestic operation will be relocated to a new 40,000 sqm terminal, connected to Terminal 1 via a new pier.

The overarching design philosophy integrates the key principles of Islamic art and architecture, emphasising geometric patterns, light, and space, thus encapsulating both prevailing aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of the region. Distinctive modular steel palm tree columns are a key element of the original design which have evolved to provide a more modern and efficient solution for the expansion. The two terminals highlight an architectural evolution from rich cultural symbolism to sleek modern design, both creating two cohesive yet distinct airport environments.

TERMINAL 1

The original design of Madinah Airport Terminal 1 draws inspiration from the palm tree, with a structural expression that mimics the geometry of this natural form. The interpretation of the palm frond provides a pragmatic and efficient structural steel support, while reducing the amount of material required for the build.

A robust steel framework spanning 27 meters between steel palm columns facilitates a spacious and open-plan layout with a clear height of 18 meters in the main departure and arrivals hall. This macro grid allows for increased capacity and smooth passenger flows, whilst enhancing the sense of openness and wayfinding transparency within the terminal.

The palm structure creates a visually striking and culturally resonant architectural feature, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the terminal. The design highlights shared characteristics between structural and aesthetic elements, particularly those seen in Arabic architecture, although there are gothic reminiscences reflected in this multilayered and complex design. The terminal's structural iconography is simultaneously bold and prominent, commanding attention with its substantial presence. It conveys a clear sense of hovering mass and volume, exuding an unmovable, static, and dominant spatial character.

Latticed patterns created by the steel frame not only provide structural integrity, but also enhance the terminal's beauty by allowing natural light to filter through, creating dynamic light and shadow play throughout the building’s interior.

The architectural proposition offers a surrounding enclosure, allowing travellers to feel embraced and protected by the terminal's simple but well-proportioned volumetrics. This imposing architectural language is designed to be visually striking and robust, reinforcing its importance, permanence and symbolic resonance for pilgrims.

TERMINAL 2

The design behind Terminal 2, a key component of the airport’s expansion project, focuses on efficiency and modernity. The structural steel system evokes the geometric aesthetics of Terminal 1, with straightened elements and reduced column spans to facilitate a more straightforward and rapid construction process, and a more materially efficient solution.

The decision to eliminate curved structural elements streamlined the assembly process, reducing both construction costs and timelines, whilst maintaining the architectural integrity and visual coherence with Terminal 1. It also enabled the continuous operation of Terminal 1 with minimal disruption throughout the construction and expansion process.

Unlike Terminal 1, Terminal 2 features an 18-meter span supported by slender steel columns. The differences can be identified in the terminal size and capacity. While Terminal 1 will serve up to 14MPPA, Terminal 2 has been designed to serve 4MPPA of domestic passengers in the initial phase with expansion potential similar to that of Terminal 1.

The modern design of Terminal 2 not only achieves a sleek and efficient appearance, it also enhances the overall structural efficiency. By utilising straight elements and reducing the span between columns, the space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a clear emphasis on modernity and simplicity. The use of minimal material underscores a commitment to sustainability whilst ensuring that Terminal 2 is economically viable.

STRUCTURAL TENSIONS AND CONTRASTS

The palm tree structures in Terminal 1 function as independent elements, built upside-down before being rotated on site for assembly. The structural design for Terminal T1 utilises welded systems, known for their rigidity and ability to provide strong and stable connections capable of bearing higher tensile loads without significant deformation. A strong column supporting a steel roof acts as a solid, unyielding element, effectively distributing loads throughout the structure.

In contrast, the structure of Terminal 2 operates as a cohesive whole where both loads and forces are shared, and tensions are evenly distributed. All structural elements are fully connected, illustrating a collaborative engineering approach that ensures stability and strength through unity. Use of bolted connections offers greater flexibility, allowing for movement and adjustment under tensile loads. The ability of hinged and bolted connections to pivot and move enables them to dissipate energy more effectively. Hinged systems can absorb and redistribute forces across the structure, minimising the impact on any single point, and increasing the overall durability of the structure.

While Terminal 1 expresses structural independence, Terminal 2 expresses structural co-dependency. The use of welded and bolted connection demonstrates a balance between structural rigidity and flexibility, ensuring durability and adaptability.

SINGLE ELEMENT VS A SERIES. THE ONE VS THE COLLECTIVE

Islamic art has historically focused on geometric patterns, calligraphy, and arabesques. Over centuries, geometry in Islamic art became a profound medium to express deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. These intricate, repeating patterns reflect both divine order and harmony, illustrating the principles of unity and multiplicity in Islamic religion.
Geometric patterns in Islamic art often start with a single element, such as a circle or star, and expand into complex, interwoven designs. The singularity appears as a multiplicity in creation, each part reflecting the whole, much like the geometric patterns that evolve from a single, simple shape into a vast, intricate composition such as the roofs of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
For example, the grid of structural palm trees creates a sequence of repeating vaults, a prominent feature in Islamic architecture. The dome, symbolising the ’vault of heaven’, encapsulates the concept of the ’divine canopy’. The vast, open interior space beneath the vaults is designed to inspire awe and reverence, encouraging worshippers to contemplate the grandeur and majesty of the space.

The interplay of light and shade within these vaults further enhances this effect, with light filtering through intricately designed skylights, creating dynamic patterns that shift with the time of day. This continuous play of light and shadow provides visual and spiritual representation and omnipresence.
In Islamic architecture, space and emptiness are not merely physical attributes but are imbued with deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. They serve to evoke contemplation by creating environments that foster tranquillity, focus, and introspection. Through the thoughtful use of open spaces, emptiness, light, and minimalistic design, the empty representation of the space acquires more importance than their solid counterparts.

CONCLUSION

The positive tensions and dialogue created between the individual palm tree structures of both terminals are a clear expression of the positive contribution of meaningful contrast and juxtaposition in architectural design. These calculated differences in approach will be experienced by passengers when they use and pass through the dual facility. It is the fundamental differences and contrasts in the architectural expression of the co- existing palm groves that will offer gentle and ambient resonance for passengers on their way through either or both spaces. Were both structural solutions to be identical, the homogeneity of such an approach would have diminished the journey through these significant and elegant spaces.

The architectural juxtaposition of Terminals 1 and 2 at Madinah Airport serves as a striking example of how traditional and modern design philosophies can co-exist, complementing each other whilst meeting the functional demands of a contemporary airport. Terminal 1’s palm tree-inspired structure not only pays homage to the cultural and natural heritage of Saudi Arabia, but also introduces an open, inviting space that enhances passenger flow and comfort. The curved, organic forms of 1, meticulously designed to reflect the fluidity of Arabesque architecture, create a dynamic and elegant environment that resonate with the intricate patterns found in traditional Islamic art.

On the other hand, Terminal 2, (designed to cater specifically to the needs of domestic passengers), adopts a more streamlined and rational approach. The use of straight structural elements and reduced column spans simplifies construction, significantly reducing costs and timelines while maintaining architectural integrity. This pragmatic design ensures that Terminal 2 is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, embodying a modern aesthetic that aligns with sustainability and cost-effectiveness goals.

The contrast between the welded and hinged structural systems further underscores the thoughtful design choices made for each terminal. Welded systems, with their rigidity and high load-bearing capacity, provide the stability needed for the expansive and open spaces of Terminal T1. In contrast, the hinged systems used in Terminal T2 offer greater flexibility, allowing for movement and adjustment under dynamic loads.

Islamic art and architecture principles are intricately woven into the design of both terminals. The use of geometric patterns and the thoughtful interplay of light and shadow create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also imbued with deep symbolic meaning. These design elements reflect the divine order and harmony, encouraging contemplation and reverence among travellers. The open spaces and minimalistic design in Islamic architecture foster tranquillity and introspection, transforming the airport environment into a place of both physical and spiritual transition.

In conclusion, the design and construction of Terminals 1 and 2 at Madinah Airport exemplify a successful marriage of tradition and modernity. Terminal 1 stands as a cultural and aesthetic beacon, celebrating Saudi heritage through its biophilic design and intricate structural elements. Terminal 2, meanwhile, embodies modern efficiency and simplicity, ensuring practicality without sacrificing visual appeal.

Together, these terminals provide a unified yet diverse experience for passengers, reflecting the broader architectural narrative of Madinah Airport—a narrative that honours the past while embracing the future. This harmonious blend of old and new not only enhances the airport’s functionality but also enriches the travel experience, making Madinah Airport a true architectural landmark. 

This article was written as part of issue Seventeen of Design Research Unit’s publication IA: Intelligent Architecture, dedicated to the theme: ‘Contrast and Juxtaposition’. To read the issue in full, click here.