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Banyuwangi airport wins 2022 Aga Khan Award for Architecture
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anyuwangi International Airport in East Java has been recognized with an award from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), the world's oldest and most prestigious architecture awards.
Announced directly from Geneva, Switzerland on Sep. 22, the “green airport” was among the six winners of the 2022 AKAA, beating 463 global nominees which were then filtered down to 20 finalists.
Banyuwangi International Airport, which is the first green airport in Indonesia, shared its status with other notable architecture projects, including Urban River Spaces (Jhenaidah, Bangladesh), Community Spaces in Rohingya Refugee Response (Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh), Argo Contemporary Art Museum and Cultural Center (Tehran, Iran), the renovation of Niemeyer Guest House (Tripoli, Lebanon) and Kamanar Secondary School (Thionck Essyl, Senegal).
As quoted from the official Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) website, the award highlights architectural works that are not only able to provide for the physical, social and economic needs of the surrounding community, but also respond to their cultural aspirations.
“Arising from a sea of paddy fields, the building extends the language of the landscape into a concentrated event that coalesces architecture, functionality and setting in a seamless yet discernible disposition. Modern and efficient in all aspects, but at home in its place, Banyuwangi International Airport may be a game-changer in airport architecture,” says a jury citation extract published in the AKDN website.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established by Aga Khan in 1977 to identify and provide appreciation for architectural concepts that successfully accommodate the needs and aspirations of the community. Since its launch 45 years ago, no less than 121 projects have received awards, and nearly 10,000 projects worldwide have been documented.
Responding to the award, Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani expressed her pride at the achievement, saying that the award would further cement Banyuwangi’s reputation at the international level.
"This award adds to Banyuwangi's achievements at the global level. After Geopark Ijen passed the trial and was immediately designated as a UNESCO [United Nations cultural organization] Global Geopark some time ago, as well as the world champion in tourism policy from the UNWTO [UN World Tourism Organization], it is now further recognized with a world-class award for its airport," she said.
Banyuwangi airport, Ipuk continued, was an architectural icon at the eastern tip of Java. The airport puts forward the concept of an environmentally friendly building, without air conditioning except in certain rooms as well as promoting symbols of local culture typical of the community.
The roof of the terminal is covered with plants, while water conservation helps cool the space. Meanwhile, the sunroof and open spaces become a source of natural light during the day.
"If we pay attention, [we can see] the shape of Banyuwangi airport is similar to the typical udeng [traditional headwear for men] of the Osing tribe. This represents the accommodation of local symbols and complements the green concept," Ipuk said.
Banyuwangi airport is also evidence of how the continuity of development programs is vital. The preparation began during the leadership era of regents Samsul Hadi (2000-2005) and Ratna Ani Lestari (2005-2010), then built and operated during the leadership era of Abdullah Azwar Anas (2010-2021).
When the airport was set to be constructed, Anas deliberately chose Banyuwangi airport to be unlike typical airport buildings. He wanted Banyuwangi airport to not only function for transportation facilities, but also to be aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly and even serve as a landmark destination in Banyuwangi.
Anas collaborated with noted architect Andra Matin to realize his vision of building a green airport. From these efforts, the current Banyuwangi airport has finally been realized.
"We are grateful that our collaboration with the Banyuwangi government has received global appreciation. Banyuwangi airport is not only environmentally friendly, but also very steeped in local culture,” Andra said during a recent visit to Banyuwangi.
