Masterise Group convenes global architecture giants to design Gia Binh International Airport, shaping Vietnam’s next major aviation gateway.

Masterise
Group has brought together three of the world’s leading architectural names – Gensler (US), SOM (US), and
Nikken Sekkei (Japan) – for
an international competition to determine the design of the Gia Binh
International Airport Passenger Terminal, a project envisioned as a new
national landmark. The contest marks a significant step in Vietnam’s pursuit of
modern, strategic infrastructure as the country enters a new phase of economic
expansion.

A
Northern gateway and future aviation hub

The
competition’s presentation round took place on November 8, 2025, at Sofitel
Legend Metropole Hanoi. Skidmore, Owings Merrill LLP (SOM), Nikken Sekkei
Ltd., and Gensler – designers
of several Skytrax 5-star airports, including Incheon, Haneda, and Changi – showcased proposals rooted in
global standards and local identity.

Structured
as a fully international design process, the competition included live
presentations, independent evaluations, secret voting, and a transparent
results protocol. It was conducted in compliance with Vietnamese legal
requirements and international norms in architecture, planning, and
construction.

An
international Jury Panel assessed the final submissions, including Professor
Richard De Neufville of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; architect
and urban planner Moshe Safdie of Safdie Architects; Mr. Cristiano Ceccato de
Sabata, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects; Mr. Laurence Liauw, Principal
Director of SPADA and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Hong
Kong; and Mr. Trevor Carnahoff, Program Director Regional Market
Solutions Lead Asia Aviation at Jacobs.

Vietnamese
representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Construction,
the Bac Ninh Department of Construction, and leaders of Masterise Group also
participated to ensure professional and regulatory integrity.

Design
concepts highlight Vietnamese identity and global standards

In
a focused and professional session, all three firms presented concepts shaped
by research into Vietnamese culture, landscapes, and the long-term growth of
the aviation sector. Each proposal embraced a next-generation “smart – green –
sustainable” airport model aimed at enhancing socioeconomic development while
placing passenger experience at the forefront.

Sustainability
features, including rainwater
harvesting, optimized daylight through skylights, nighttime natural
ventilation, use of low-carbon materials such as timber and terracotta, and
integrated rooftop solar systems,
were particularly noted.

Mr. Jordan Pierce, Senior Associate
Principal at SOM, explained the firm’s concept: “Our thinking around the design of the new terminal for Gia Binh was
that we really wanted to have a design that was inspired by the landscapes of
Vietnam, a design that would be resonant with people throughout the entirety of
the country because its inspiration would be drawn from the landscapes that
make up the beautiful country of Vietnam. We came up with the design of an
airport that we’re calling the Terminal of the Water Gardens, where each moment
of the passenger journey is marked by a different landscape experience centered
around water.”

The
Jury evaluated the designs against ten criteria, including feasibility,
sustainability, creativity, cultural expression, functionality, and aesthetics.
All proposals were required to meet international standards for modern airport
design and operations. The assessment process involved independent scoring and
direct professional dialogue.

Mr.
Laurence Liauw, Vice Chairman of the Jury, noted: “I think this is a very good time for Hanoi to develop a new airport. I
think the old airport has been around for a long time, and has served its
purpose, its full capacity. So apart from expanding the capacity, I think it
represents an opportunity for Hanoi to grow the aviation business. The economy
and the population are growing very fast. And Hanoi as a kind of global tourist
destination on the world map is increasing its footprint. So I think the new
airport will be a very welcome addition to the nation’s expanding tourism and
aviation industry.”

A
symbol of global ambition

Envisioned
as the northern gateway airport and a future hub for passengers, cargo, and MRO
services, the Gia Binh International Airport is positioned to support growth
across Hanoi and the Northern key economic region. Designed to meet ICAO 4F
technical standards and Skytrax 5-Star service benchmarks, the project carries
strategic economic, security, defense, and diplomatic significance.

The
airport is projected to handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tonnes of
cargo annually by 2030, with capacity increasing to 50 million passengers and
2.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2050,
positioning it alongside major regional hubs such as Changi, Incheon, and
Suvarnabhumi.

Beyond
operational targets, the airport aims to be a model of smart, green
development, prioritizing energy efficiency, environmental protection, and
optimal user experience across all design and operational stages.

The
international design competition, executed with rigorous professional
standards, underscores the project’s global ambitions and Masterise Group’s
commitment to leveraging world-class expertise in shaping Vietnam’s next
generation of national infrastructure.

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