CLARK FREEPORT -- The new terminal of Clark International Airport (CRK) has been chosen as one of the top six finalists in the 2021 World Selection of the prestigious Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards under the Airport Category.
Finalists of the Prix are chosen for their innovative qualities, creativity, and design connection to the culture and heritage.
“This nomination is a recognition of the outstanding qualities of Clark International Airport. Even with the fluidity of its state of art technology, this airport reflects a deep sense of place as it takes inspiration from the natural formations and surrounding landscape,” said Bi Yong Chungunco, Chief Executive Officer of the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp (Lipad), the consortium in charge of the airport’s operations and maintenance.
The Lipad official cited the role of Populous, lead interior designer and retail planner for the new terminal, which ensured that the Filipino culture and aesthetic reverberated through all aspects of interior design.
Populous Architect Ben Dawson said passenger experience was at the heart of this design.
"We believe the Philippines will be proud of Clark International Airport, which draws on the energy of the local people and the environment as inspiration for the interior design and key feature installations throughout the terminal’s event spaces," he said.
Chungunco said that aside from its modern features, the airport features a dedicated pverseas Filipino worker (OFW) lounge, walk-through commercial spaces, gender-neutral toilets and elevators and escalators in each boarding gate, making the terminal accessible to all.
She described the selection of the airport as a finalist in the international awards as timely. It comes at a time when the Filipinos, along with the rest of the world, are in great anticipation of better times and hopeful about the decline of the pandemic.
“When travel is relaxed, which most probably be in phases, Clark International Airport will be there to delight passengers and as a fitting testament to Philippine capacities,” Chungunco said.
This four-level terminal was constructed inside a 110,000 square meter aviation area. It can accommodate eight million passengers annually.
Alongside Clark airport, other airports around the world that have been selected to compete in the Prix Versailles World Finale are Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (Germany), Athens International Airport (Greece), South Wing Hazrat Sultan International Airport (Kazakhstan), New Plymouth Airport (New Zealand), and LaGuardia Airport, Terminal B (New York).
The winners in the category will be announced in the World Awards Ceremony at the Unesco Headquarters in Paris later this year.