Athens International Airport (AIA) has been named as one of six international finalists for a prestigious global architecture award.

AIA has been shortlisted by the world judges Panel of Prix Versailles, which recognises innovation, creativity, a reflection of local heritage, and energy efficiency, and has been nominated as a finalist in the distinguished Prix Versailles Awards, a set of annual international architectural prizes given by the French World Prix Versailles Organisation.

The airport also named “Eleftherios Venizelos” has been nominated for its expansion of South Wing in the category of World Selection of Prix Versailles Airports 2021. 

The extension of the South Wing structure to the existing AIA Main Terminal Building was designed by leading architects Tombazis & Associates and AVW Architects. This was an important project as it’s one of the first experiences visitors have when landing in Athens and also one of the last as they leave. 

What makes the architectural project so unique is the exterior surface of the building cell, which is highlighted by the element of the louvers, that rotate progressively, revealing views from and to the building. Although the louvers have fixed positions, the building gives the sense of movement and changes in view, as someone moves closer or further away. At night, the extension transforms into a lighthouse for the landing planes.

AIA is up against an $8 billion upgrade at New York’s La Guardia Airport, Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, New Zealand’s New Plymouth revamp, Kazakhstan’s Hazrat Sultan International Airport, and the Philippines’ Clark International Airport. 

The winners of the Prix Versailles Airports 2021 will be named at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Headquarters in Paris in November.

Images by Yiorgis Yerolymbos © (Copyright)