Banyuwangi Airport Welcomes Air Travellers With Emphasized Natural Features

Located at the tip of the Java island, Banyuwangi recently has developed into a destination for local and international tourists. Set amid the mountains on the west side, and the sea on the east which directly borders Bali island, this regency relies on the natural beauty of Java island which is not yet popular to the public. To date, the development of Banyuwangi is supported by a number of national architects who were involved in the construction of tourist facilities as well as a variety of well-organized city and public spaces. A well-designed environment can be experienced even at the moment tourists set their foot for the first time when using the airlines.

©andramatin / Jonathan Raditya

Before landing, air travelers are welcomed by the green rice fields and greenery that surround the airport runway. Without any modern glass building envelope, Banyuwangi Airport terminal designed by andramatin is almost merged with the greeneries owing to the grass roof design. Covered with green roofs, the terminal rooms also give an impression of nature to welcome visitors and sent travelers off. The absence of solid walls, on almost all parts of the terminal area, connects the outdoor and indoor space so that visitors can directly enjoy the nature around the airport.

©andramatin / Jonathan Raditya

The terminal design that emphasizes openness and elements of nature not merely functions as attractive visuals. andramatin applies tropical design details to ensure visitors' comfort is met while at the terminal. For instance, a green roof with a soil base can absorb heat well. Additionally, the roofs are cantilevered for more than four meters to ensure the area underneath is well-shaded from the heat of the sun. To separate the rooms, andramatin chose ironwood vertical louvres so that natural light and air can circulate in as an effort to save energy consumption.

©andramatin / Jonathan Raditya

Even with an airport-scale building, andramatin's design character is still so evident that the comfort and aesthetic of the spatial experience are enhanced. At some parts of the airport, water features and lush courtyards are presented to give a more natural sense of space. These elements form a resort-like atmosphere at the airport and help to represent Banyuwangi as a destination with much potential of natural destination. One of the distinct characters of andramatin’s design such as shadow play can also be seen at the terminal rooms as the sunlight pass through the wooden louvres on the ceiling.

©andramatin / Jonathan Raditya

©andramatin / Jonathan Raditya

Considering the proximity and integration of the airport with outdoor space and nature, the visitor's spatial experience is greatly influenced by time and weather. The rich nuances of Banyuwangi Airport become a unique character because it is rarely found in today’s airports which emphasize the use of the latest architectural technology—of which at some point creates a monotonous image of airport design. Through the application of tropical designs on a much larger scale, andramatin managed to design Banyuwangi Airport to meet the comfort and safety standards with an atmosphere that is in harmony with its environment.