Almaty International Airport

Project Overview

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Between 2015 and 2016, Vinci Airports selected 1PAX to develop the architectural concept design for the new international terminal at Almaty International Airport. The commission also included the airport masterplan, functional planning, and the design of access roads, parking facilities, and landscape systems. Working in collaboration with ARUP, 1PAX addressed the airport as an integrated territorial and architectural project, responding to both operational needs and the specific environmental conditions of Kazakhstan.

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Key Challenge

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Almaty’s geographical and climatic context posed significant challenges. The project needed to respond to complex topography, soil conditions, and high seismic risk, while also addressing extreme seasonal temperature variations. At the same time, the new terminal had to support growing passenger volumes and provide a clear, efficient passenger experience within a robust and future-ready infrastructure.

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Our Approach

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1PAX developed a masterplan and terminal concept deeply informed by site conditions. The architectural strategy integrated a man-made landscape that played a dual role: absorbing and reusing the earthworks generated by extensive foundation excavations, and acting as an environmental buffer for the terminal.

This landscape was conceived as an active component of the building’s environmental performance, supporting heat retention during cold seasons and mitigating heat gain during warmer periods. Passive heating and cooling principles guided the design of the terminal envelope, with particular attention to façade orientation and protection against extreme weather exposure. Access roads and parking areas were designed as part of a coherent landscape system, reinforcing legibility and ease of use.

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