Monday, July 28, 2025
The best airports for the most beautiful airports 2025 have been revealed by the prestigious Prix Versailles, which honours architectural beauty, sustainability and cultural inspiration. This is an annual prize that showcases the worlds best designs in the travel sector, of all things, and showcases how these airports juggle their operational needs with a desire to be artistic and ecologically ambitious. The terminals selected originated in different continents and stand out for a distinctive way of understanding architecture and its relationship with local culture.
These six airports and terminals will be honored later this year with worldwide titles for interior or exterior design. From aesthetic beauty to environmental efforts, and even innovation, the airports selected for this honour are at the forefront of the hospitality, tourism and leisure world. These are some of the airports recognized for revolutionary approaches to architecture and sustainability within the travel sector.
1. Yantai Penglai International Airport (Terminal 2) – Yantai, China
The recently opened Terminal 2 at Yantai Penglai International Airport, in the coastal city of Yantai in China, is a prime example of airport design that seamlessly integrates functionality with nature. Designed by Aedas in conjunction with CSWADI and the Shanghai New Era Airport Design Institute, the terminal’s overall form references the natural setting, including the sweeping form of Kungy Mountain. The terminal’s configuration in the E-shape allows passengers circular flow and the tall glazed roof dome tops the multi-level atrium providing natural light and air. It is designed with a marine theme to reflect the area’s past as a node of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. This 167,000 sqm facility represents the openness and cultural vibrancy of the Shandong Peninsula.
2. Marseille Provence Airport (Terminal 1) – Marignane, France
Terminal 1 at Marseille Provence Airport undergoes complete redesign with regional roots The newly redesigned Terminal 1 of Marseille Provence Airport has unveiled its transformation: a complete overhaul that brings a breath of fresh air to the travel hub with a nod to the region’s culture and history. The 22,000-square-meter extension, called “Coeur” (Heart) was designed by the firm Foster + Partners and built out of 70 percent recycled steel. The structure is 22 meters high and is made of skylights and polished aluminum that reflect the heritage of boat houses ringing Marseille’s Old Port. There are timber features throughout the terminal and a wood-encased security area, providing passengers with a feeling of warmth and welcome. The project reclaimed 28,000 m2 of space, restoring the original 1960s building and uniting it with new architectural techniques by Richard Rogers. From this platform, the passengers have really the most beautiful views of the Provencal hinterland, and of the lagoon’s coastline, thus symbolizing the will of the airport project to connect the building with the local natural environment.
3. Roland Garros Airport (Arrivals Terminal) – Reunion Island, France
Bioclimatic Airport: La Terminal des Arrivées-L’Aéroport de Western Roland Garros (Southern Hemisphere World Spot) – Reunion Island by Brunet Saunier Architecture. The 13,000-square-meter terminal, designed by AIA Life Designers, is the first of its kind in the tropics. The terminal is highly energy efficient, taking advantage of the island’s climate for natural cooling energy reduction. A central “canyon” structure, throughout the terminal provides its distinctive form and serves as a natural ventilation chimney that releases heat and increases passenger comfort. The sensor embedded shutters change automatically to the weather, giving the best flow of air in all seasons. Local wood and indigenous greenery is also used inside the terminal, echoing the island’s topography and culture. This design principle is an exemplar of sustainable building methods, as it relies on local materials and knowledge for most of the construction.
4. Kansai International Airport (Terminal 1) – Osaka, Japan
The terminal 1 of Kansai International Airport, which was designed by the world-famous architect Renzo Piano, never ceases to be its charismatic figure on the man-made island of Osaka Bay. Populous, which has made numerous significant changes to the terminal in recent years, has worked to transform the terminal for future growth. The terminal expansion has boosted the space for international operations by 25%, allowing for the growth in visitors to Japan. Through the modern revisions, the building still features its smooth, undulating roofline that is characteristic of Renzo Piano’s aesthetic. Inside, the materials are natural: wood and stone, that lend it the look of Japan. A smart queuing system has also been introduced to manage passengers, increasing operational efficiency.
5. Portland International Airport (Main Terminal) – Portland, United States
The Main Terminal at Portland International Airport has been totally redesigned to reflect an inspired sense of Oregon’s natural forests. It was designed by ZGF Architects, with a cantilevering, timber roof that covers more than 36,000 square meters. Local materials within a 500 km radius of the airport were specified for the project in order to provide sustainability for the terminal whilst minimizing its carbon footprint. The “forest to frame” tracking system follows the wood back to where it came from. The design of the terminal follows biophilic principles, with abundant natural light and scenic views creating a serene environment. The layout is an feel of interconnected rooms that reflect Portland’s urban rhythm and is also deeply rooted in the natural environment.
6. San Francisco International Airport (Terminal 1) – San Francisco, United States
San Francisco International Airport’s recently renovated Terminal 1 is proof that ecological advancement and cultural density can serve to animate an airport instead of merely decorating one. With Gensler and Kuth Ranieri leading the redevelopment, the project has achieved about 59% energy use reduction and 79% carbon emissions reduction. With natural light flooding the terminal, the space feels light and airy. Its layout includes Bay Area arts and crafts, and it is host to the world’s sole accredited airport museum. It’s also the Harvey Milk Terminal, a name that gives a cultural edge to the eco-friendly design. The reimagining is about San Francisco’s focus to minimize its environmental impact as it also honors the area’s culture and history.
Conclusion: A Global Showcase of Architectural Innovation
These six airports are leading the way in architectural design, each merging environmental consciousness, cultural sustainability, and good looks to create spaces as functional as they are beautiful. As airports globally steer their way into the future, these terminals are benchmarks not only for design but for sustainability in a modern airport. These are the awards at the Prix Versailles that will celebrate these buildings further later in the year, with individual global titles for the best interiors and exteriors.
(Source: UNESCO and the Prix Versailles website)
