Nowadays, airports are not just transit points. Thanks to new technologies in terms of materials and innovations in security systems, they have become monuments that represent cities and countries. 

In this article, we explore five of the most beautiful airports in the world, and the features that make them special. 

1. Marco Polo International Airport, Venice  

One Works’ design for the renovation and expansion of Marco Polo International Airport in Venice stands out for its combination of innovation and respect for the environment. The architecture reinterprets the Venetian Renaissance docks with a complex roof and glass façade. 

Innovative materials were used in this architectural masterpiece to create a premium scenario for the 15 million passengers it receives each year. Its structure is highlighted by an intricate glass roof that hints at the Venetian tradition of glassblowing, along with a glass façade that offers views of the city skyline. 

2. Nanning Airport 

Nanning Wuxu International Airport in China stands out for its sinuous shape inspired by the surrounding hills, and a shallow, ovoid dome in the center that marks the arrivals and departures hall. 

The architecture, proposed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, merges the shape of the mechanical wings of an airplane with the biological notion of birds’ wings. The materials reflect the nature and dynamism of the region. 

The ovoid dome not only serves an aesthetic function but also creates a large civic hall for travelers. This provides a unique architectural and functional experience. 

3. Keflavík Airport 

The expansion of Keflavík Airport in Iceland was a response to the growing influx of tourists. The design, by Andersen & Sigurdsson Architects, is simple and rational, allowing for flexibility and adaptability. 

Inspired by Icelandic nature, the building uses black terrazzo, smoked oak, and glass interior walls that reflect the typical autumn colors of the country. The building has a simple structure with steel, precast concrete slabs, and a glass facade. The simplicity also allowed for rapid construction and exposure to Iceland’s changing weather conditions. 

4. Denver International Airport 

Denver International Airport redefines the concept of airports as gateways to the city. The design, by Fentress Architects, stimulated a paradigm shift in the perception of airport architecture. 

Inspired by the Rocky Mountains, the design incorporates pointed roof shapes that evoke the snow-capped mountains. The use of native materials creates a connection to the environment. The structurally integrated Teflon-coated stretch membrane structure is the largest in the world at the time of completion, providing a distinctive and efficient design. 

5. St. Louis-Lambert International Airport 

The renovation, carried out by EXP Studio, restores splendor to Minoru Yamasaki’s iconic Main Terminal, a mid-century masterpiece. It removes unnecessary elements to restore the essence of the space. 

The vaults were restored with new plaster, bringing back the smoothness of the original finish. Curtain wall glazing and LED lighting modernize the space while maintaining its essence. 

LED technology and the restoration of the vaults bring new life to the structure, creating a unique airport experience. 

Exploring these airports is a physical journey and an immersion into architectural creativity, innovation in materials, and integration of advanced technologies that make them jewels of global infrastructure.