A team led by Austrian architect Coop Himmelb(l)au and Perkins & Will subsidiary Dar Al-Handasah has won a competition to design and masterplan the next phase of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, UAE.

To enhance the passenger experience, the airport's design incorporates advanced technologies for assistance, processing, and intuitive smart wayfinding, along with abundant natural lighting through its unique roof structure. The design also pays tribute to Dubai's cultural heritage by blending traditional elements with modern materials and features, creating a balance between historical and futuristic aesthetics. The airport's design incorporates sustainable engineering solutions by maximizing natural lighting and using renewable energy sources to lower its carbon footprint. The terminal's orientation and shape are optimized to harness sunlight and prevailing winds, enhancing natural light penetration while minimizing glare and heat gain. This reduces the reliance on artificial energy, creating a more comfortable environment for passengers and decreasing energy consumption. Algorithmic processes and parametric design are essential tools that optimize architectural forms based on factors like daylight, sun, wind, structural grids, and curvature analysis. These methods allow for more dynamic and responsive designs, turning buildings into open, creative spaces rather than sealed, monumental structures.