Beijing Capital International Airport (Terminal 3)

Image: Ma Wenxiao

Location: Beijing, China

Completed in time for the 2008 Olympics, Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport was designed by Foster + Partners – and though it’s now ten years old, it’s an airport that is still seen as one of the world’s most powerfully designed.

Image: Dennis Gilbert

Using traditional, ‘lucky’ Chinese colours of red and yellow, the two-mile long terminal has a soaring roof canopy that was inspired by the undulations of a Chinese dragon, celebrating the region’s culture and history. This dragon-like roof is supported by columns that mimic the architecture of Chinese temples, whilst the terminal’s interior is lit by a multitude of skylights.