Landmarks of Selangor: Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Often times we pass through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, Selangor without really 'knowing' it. I have always been in awe of this wondrous 'futuristic' structure, one of the last mega-projects of the 20th century in the country, opened in June 1998. Brainchild of Tun Dr Mahathir, it was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa who applied a philosophy of 'symbiosis of nature and architecture'. Hence swathes of tropical forest in a hi-tech airport structure.

KLIA approach for departing travellers (CNB 2012)

The three main components of KLIA are the main terminal building, the adjacent contact pier and a satellite building, linked to the previous two by an automated track transit system. The departure forecourt roof form is "a hyperbolic parabaloid shell structure on conical columns". The airport interiors have a "transparent, ultra-modern, hi-tech look" due to the extensive use of frameless double-glazed walls, exposed steel trusses, shiny aluminium surfaces and polished granite.

Departure Hall, KLIA (CNB 2012)

The KLIA master plan, when fully executed will eventually enable the airport to handle 100 million passengers each year. So ... if you are flying off somewhere soon from KLIA, do observe how beautiful it really is.

On leaving KLIA at dusk (CNB 2012)

Ref: Landmarks of Selangor. Jugra Publications, 2003