Clark Airport Named Among “World’s Most Beautiful”
In 2021, the prestigious Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards named Clark International Airport one of the top six finalists in the 2021 World Selection under the Airport Category. Among the twenty four airports in their “World’s Most Beautiful” list, CRK is the only one from Southeast Asia. Clark International Airport’s transformation stemmed from the collaborative effort between lead designer Ben Dawson from Populous and local partner Gaylord Bongalon from Casas+Architects.
Populous is the award-winning global design firm behind Kansai Airport in Japan, Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, and the Philippine Arena. Conversely, Casas+Architects is credited for the Maybank Performing Arts Center and the Grand Hyatt Manila—the country’s tallest building—both in Bonifacio Global City. Megawide Construction Corp. laid the groundwork in 2020 under LIPAD’s management. The terminal evokes a strong sense of place by highlighting the surrounding landscapes.
A Strong Sense of Place
Drawing inspiration from Pampanga’s stunning natural beauty, Populous chose a material palette that reflects the area’s vibrancy. Clark Airport’s distinctive undulating roofline and the unique wooden ceiling feature make the airport stand out. Double height windows bathe the terminal in natural light. And visitors can check-in against panoramic views of Mt. Arayat and the Zambales mountain range.
CRK’s duty-free zone offers a world-class retail experience. Beyond it lies the expansive and flexible events space. Optimized for circulation, the space can seamlessly transform into a dynamic stage, treating travelers to diverse environments with every visit. The airport also integrated health conscious design elements in response to the pandemic, prioritizing safety through contactless check-ins and dining spaces.
The Prix Versailles celebrates CRK’s functionality and aesthetics, setting a new benchmark in Philippine airport design.
Read more: Clark International Airport Is Your Gateway to the Future of Flight
