Norman Foster’s firm – in collaboration with Buro Happold – has won the competition to design the new CPK (Centralny Port Komunikacyjny) airport between the Polish cities of Warsaw and Lodz. Their proposal seeks a balance between operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and symbolic expression.

The core of the construction is a large plaza, animated by greenery and natural light, that makes visual connections with the railway tracks. A continuous vaulted ceiling roof intuitively directs passengers towards the aircraft. The functional and flexible scheme maximizes opportunities for modularization and prefabrication.

Completion of the CPK airport is programmed for 2027 and it will initially serve up to 40 million travelers, to eventually expand to meet the 65 million target by 2060.