Gia Binh Airport Terminal Unveils Water Garden Design

A new passenger terminal for Gia Binh International Airport in Vietnam’s Bắc Ninh Province will center around a water garden concept. The facility will handle 30 million passengers annually by 2030, expanding to 50 million by 2050.

Major Aviation Infrastructure Expansion

The terminal represents significant growth in Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure. Moreover, the project aims to position the country as a regional trade and logistics hub. The facility will process 1.6 million tons of cargo annually by 2030, increasing to 2.5 million tons by 2050.

Bright passenger waiting hall with curved timber ceiling and indoor plants — Natural light and interior landscaping guide the passenger journey toward the departure gates. Image © SOM

Masterise Aviation Infrastructure Joint-Stock Company developed the project as part of broader urban planning for the Gia Binh district. The building will integrate modern operational standards with global connectivity requirements.

Water Inspired Architectural Approach

The design uses water as both metaphor and organizing principle throughout the terminal. Vietnam’s riverine landscapes inspired the spatial layout, which guides passengers through connected interior design and exterior spaces.

Wavy roof structure of Gia Binh Airport terminal with airplanes parked at gates at dusk — The undulating roofline covers the modular concourse while providing efficient aircraft gating. Image © SOM

The architecture weaves landscape elements into the passenger journey from arrival to departure. This continuous sequence creates a distinctive experience that references local environmental characteristics. Therefore, the terminal functions as both transportation hub and cultural gateway.

Sunlit indoor courtyard with palm trees and perforated brick walls — Local building materials and lush greenery form a civic landmark rooted in Vietnamese culture. Image © SOM

Cars arriving under the sweeping entrance canopy of Gia Binh Airport terminal — The dynamic entrance canopy welcomes passengers into a continuous sequence of exterior and interior spaces. Image © SOM

Regional Materials and Modular Planning

Building materials sourced from the region feature prominently in the construction approach. Local artistry integrates with contemporary design elements to create a civic landmark rooted in Vietnamese culture.

The project employs advanced digital tools and modular planning strategies to optimize efficiency. However, flexibility remains central to accommodate future technological advances and changing passenger demands. The sustainability strategy emphasizes both environmental performance and cultural resonance.

High altitude aerial view of the entire passenger terminal and runways surrounded by green landscape — The comprehensive site layout accommodates future expansion up to 50 million passengers annually. Image © SOM

A modular approach enables the terminal to adapt as aviation technology evolves. Meanwhile, the integration of architecture and engineering from early design stages supports constructibility and operational efficiency.

A Quick Architectural Snapshot

The Gia Binh terminal extends beyond standard infrastructure into civic and cultural architecture. The project celebrates Vietnam’s natural landscapes and heritage through spatial design while serving as an international gateway. Water garden elements define the passenger experience throughout the facility, connecting traditional imagery with modern aviation requirements.