SOM has won the international design competition for the passenger terminal at Gia Binh International Airport in Bắc Ninh Province, Vietnam. Our winning design concept—The Terminal of Water Gardens—was recognized for its technical excellence, cultural resonance, and forward-looking sustainability strategy. Developed by Masterise Aviation Infrastructure Joint-Stock Company, this airport forms part of a broader vision for the continued growth and development of the Gia Binh district.
With a projected capacity of 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo annually by 2030, and a long-term vision of 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tons by 2050, the new terminal represents a major expansion of Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure. It is expected to position the country as a leading trade and logistics hub, supporting modern operational standards, a comprehensive service ecosystem, and global connectivity.
SOM brings globally recognized aviation design experience, shaped by projects, including San Francisco International Airport and Kempegowda International Airport in India, while grounding the terminal in Vietnamese culture and craft. The use of regional, sustainable materials and integration of local artistry shape a contemporary civic landmark that is deeply rooted in place.
Integrating architecture and engineering from the earliest stages, the design leverages advanced digital tools and a modular planning strategy to optimize efficiency, constructibility, and flexibility, enabling the terminal to adapt to future technological and passenger demands.
Water serves as both metaphor and organizing principle for the terminal, shaping the spatial experience and guiding movement from arrival to departure. Inspired by Vietnam’s riverine landscapes, the design seamlessly weaves landscape and architecture into a continuous sequence of interior and exterior environments that unfold along the passenger journey.
More than an infrastructure project, the Gia Binh Passenger Terminal is envisioned as vital civic and cultural architecture—an iconic gateway that celebrates Vietnam’s landscapes and heritage while welcoming the world.
Commissioned by the Masterise Aviation Infrastructure Joint-Stock Company, the project advances a forward-looking vision for Vietnam that brings together cultural identity, innovation, and sustainability. The terminal is conceived as an elevated airport experience—one that is efficient, technologically advanced, and aligned with the aspirations of 21st-century aviation infrastructure.
