The terminal of Techo International Airport, a row of arched wooden roofs with the control tower behind, above palm-lined walkways

Chapter 05

About Techo International Airport

Explore Khmer culture through Techo International Airport

Découvrez la Culture Khmère à Travers l’Aéroport International Techo

Techo International Airport reinterprets Khmer identity through temple-inspired roof forms, traditional basket-weaving patterns, the Romduol flower, Cambodian landscapes, local craftsmanship, and cultural artworks. Together, these elements transform traditional heritage into a contemporary architectural language—creating a modern gateway that is distinctly Cambodian.

Aerial drawing of the terminal: its woven roof between two curving piers, with aircraft at their gates
Vaulted roof canopies lit from below at dusk
Roof vaults on white branching columns, by day
The terminal’s front: a row of arched roofs over its glass facade
Tree-shaped canopies lit at night

Light & Shadow

The woven ceiling, skylights, and layered roof structure create changing patterns of light and shadow, creating an architectural experience that complements the atmosphere of traditional Khmer spaces.

Close-up of woven bamboo basketry
A woven lattice pattern
Looking up into the latticed ceiling where four vaults meet
A latticed ceiling in warm light
A latticed ceiling curving overhead
Daylight through a latticed ceiling
A latticed ceiling seen from below

Traditional Basket Weaving

The latticed ceiling/soffit is directly inspired by traditional Cambodian basket weaving, creating a woven pattern that also filters natural daylight.

The spiral of a hand-woven basket
Hands weaving strips of bamboo
Looking through a square woven lattice towards the light

Cambodian Craftsmanship

The project combines contemporary technology with local craftsmanship and locally relevant materials, reinforcing its connection to Cambodian identity.

Aerial drawing of the southeast pier and its departures and retail levels
Aerial drawing of the terminal among gardens and tree-lined roads
Aerial drawing of a pier with aircraft at its gates
Drawings of the forecourt’s departures and arrivals levels, with planting between the roads

Local Landscape

Native greenery and landscaped spaces bring Cambodia’s tropical environment into the airport, creating a strong connection between the building and its natural setting.

A stone statue of Garuda with raised wings, against the sky
A carved stone relief of a standing figure among many others
A stone statue of a many-armed figure
A stone statue of an apsara between two columns

Khmer Cultural Artworks

More than 200 handcrafted sculptures and a central cast-bronze Buddha are incorporated into the terminal to celebrate Cambodia’s history and evolving cultural identity.

A planted, elevated roadway above lawns and young trees
A Romduol flower
A roof rising in points like petals, above arches

Romduol Flower & Cambodian Nature

The airport incorporates Romduol trees, Cambodia’s national flower, together with local palms and tropical plants throughout the terminal. The roof design is also inspired by the Romduol flower.