Zaha Hadid Architects: Innovation for New Arrivals Terminal at Vilnius Airport, Lithuania
- Mark Lafond, RA
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Sustainable Change Models of Innovation
Introduction
The New Arrivals Terminal at Vilnius Airport in Lithuania, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), represents a new chapter in Baltic aviation and European architecture. Selected through an international design competition, the terminal highlights Lithuania’s strategic aim of becoming a modern hub for regional and international travel while presenting a facility rooted in local culture and sustainable technologies. ZHA’s approach combines their signature dynamic forms with advanced engineering solutions, offering a facility that is both highly functional and symbolic of national identity.
Vilnius Airport, the largest airport in Lithuania, has become an important regional transport hub as passenger numbers continue to grow. This terminal is intended to expand capacity, streamline passenger flow, and establish the airport as a vital part of the European transportation corridor connected to the Rail Baltica high-speed rail project. At the same time, the project is designed to embody cultural meaning through architectural language inspired by Lithuanian traditions, all while achieving the highest levels of environmental responsibility.
Architectural Vision
The architectural vision of the arrivals terminal is built on a dialogue between tradition and innovation. The design is organized around the rhombus, a geometric form that is deeply significant in Lithuanian folklore and decorative arts. ZHA reinterprets this motif within a modern architectural and structural framework, using rhomboid geometries to shape skylights, circulation spaces, and the terminal’s overall roof design. By weaving this cultural reference into the terminal’s spatial language, ZHA ensures the project communicates Lithuanian identity to every arriving passenger.
A defining element of the design is the pleated timber roof. The roof is inspired by the Lithuanian sodai, geometric ornaments traditionally crafted from straw. This cultural artifact is transformed into a functional, large-scale roof system that shelters the terminal. The pleated geometry of the roof not only references local tradition but also contributes to structural efficiency and daylighting strategies. Triangular and rhomboid skylights punctuate the roof, flooding the terminal with natural light and enhancing the sense of openness in the arrival halls.
Passenger Flow and Connectivity
The arrivals terminal has been designed to prioritize clarity, efficiency, and passenger comfort. A hallmark of the design is the integration of natural light and visual connections to exterior landscapes, which orient passengers intuitively as they move through the space. From the arrival gates to baggage claim and onward to exit points, the design seeks to minimize stress and maximize efficiency. This approach reduces reliance on signage by making the spatial layout inherently legible.
The terminal is part of a larger master plan for Vilnius Airport, which integrates the historic Terminal 1 at the center with new arrivals and departures terminals on either side. Together, these facilities form a coherent and balanced airport campus that preserves historical identity while embracing modern requirements. At the core of this master plan is the Airport Plaza, a multi-modal hub that connects passengers not only to air travel but also to buses, taxis, pedestrian paths, cycling infrastructure, and the Rail Baltica high-speed rail network. This creates an airport that is seamlessly connected to the broader regional and European transport system.
Smart Building Features
The design for the arrivals terminal incorporates cutting-edge smart building systems aimed at enhancing efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. Building systems will be managed by intelligent sensors and algorithms capable of adjusting environmental conditions in real time. Ventilation systems will respond dynamically to occupancy levels, ensuring air quality while minimizing unnecessary energy use. Lighting systems will use both motion detection and daylight sensors to optimize illumination while conserving electricity. These adaptive systems create an airport that is highly efficient without compromising user experience.
Water systems are another area of smart integration. Rainwater harvesting and stormwater management are built into the terminal’s design, with filtration and storage systems enabling the reuse of water for non-potable functions. Greywater recycling further reduces overall water demand. The integration of digital controls ensures these systems operate seamlessly, predicting usage patterns and weather conditions to maximize efficiency.
Smart wayfinding is also included, with real-time flight data integrated into both physical displays and mobile applications, allowing passengers to navigate the terminal more effectively. Biometric technologies and contactless services are expected to streamline passenger processing, reducing bottlenecks at immigration and customs points.
Sustainability Strategies
Sustainability is central to the terminal’s design. The project has been developed with the ambition to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, one of the highest environmental performance certifications in the construction industry. This reflects a holistic approach to reducing environmental impact across energy, water, materials, and operations.
A key element of this strategy is the installation of approximately 13,000 square meters of solar panels on the terminal roof and adjacent structures. This renewable energy system will provide a substantial proportion of the building’s power requirements, reducing reliance on external energy sources and lowering carbon emissions. Coupled with passive design strategies such as double-insulated glazing and thermally efficient materials, the building envelope is designed to minimize energy loss and maximize efficiency throughout the year.
The use of timber as a primary structural and aesthetic material reinforces the sustainability agenda. Timber, when sourced responsibly, provides a renewable alternative to steel or concrete while reducing embodied carbon in construction. The pleated timber roof therefore operates as both a cultural reference and a sustainability measure.
Future-Proofing and Flexibility
The arrivals terminal has been designed to meet the needs of future generations as much as current users. ZHA’s modular and adaptable approach allows the structure to be expanded or modified as aviation technology evolves or as passenger numbers increase. This ensures the building will remain relevant and functional for decades without requiring fundamental redesign.
The terminal also incorporates infrastructure for emerging transportation technologies. Its connection to Rail Baltica situates it at the forefront of European transport integration, while provisions for electric vehicle charging, cycling infrastructure, and potential future autonomous transport systems ensure the airport is ready for tomorrow’s mobility landscape.
Cultural Resonance
What distinguishes this project is not only its technological and operational sophistication but also its cultural depth. By embedding the rhombus motif and the sodai-inspired roof into the design, ZHA creates a building that reflects Lithuania’s heritage while serving as a modern gateway. Every arriving passenger encounters an architecture that speaks to local traditions even as it embodies cutting-edge innovation. This cultural resonance elevates the project beyond functionality, making it a symbol of Lithuania’s identity on the world stage.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The arrivals terminal is an investment not just in infrastructure but in Lithuania’s economic future. By expanding capacity to handle over 10 million passengers annually when combined with the departures terminal, Vilnius Airport positions itself as a key node in the regional transport network. This expansion supports tourism, trade, and business, increasing Lithuania’s integration into European and global markets.
The construction and operation of the terminal also stimulate local industries. The emphasis on sustainable construction, renewable energy, and smart systems encourages innovation among Lithuanian contractors, suppliers, and technology firms. The project therefore contributes to both immediate economic growth and long-term capacity building within the national economy.
Conclusion
The New Arrivals Terminal at Vilnius Airport by Zaha Hadid Architects exemplifies the future of aviation infrastructure. It is a building that balances efficiency with culture, sustainability with innovation, and local identity with global connectivity. By incorporating smart building technologies, renewable energy systems, and culturally resonant design, the terminal sets new standards for airport architecture in the Baltic region and beyond. It is not only a place of transit but also a statement of national ambition, a symbol of progress, and a model for sustainable design in the twenty-first century.
Construction Costs and Specifications
Estimated project budget: €250 million (masterplan including arrivals terminal)
Construction timeline: 2027–2029
Annual capacity: 10.6 million passengers (with departures terminal)
BREEAM target: Excellent
Roof material: Pleated timber roof inspired by sodai
Renewable energy: 13,000 m² of solar panels
Water strategy: Rainwater harvesting, stormwater management, and greywater recycling
Daylighting: Triangular and rhomboid skylights
Smart systems: Sensor-based lighting, ventilation, climate control, and smart wayfinding
Connectivity: Integration with Rail Baltica, bus networks, taxis, cycling, and pedestrian access
References
ArchDaily. “Zaha Hadid Architects Wins Competition for New Arrivals Terminal at Vilnius Airport, Lithuania.” ArchDaily, 2024.
Timber Design and Technology. “Zaha Hadid Architects Win the Architectural Competition to Design the New Arrivals Terminal at Vilnius Airport.” Timber Design and Technology, 2024.
World Architecture Community. “Zaha Hadid Architects Selected to Design the New Arrivals Terminal at Vilnius Airport.” World Architecture Community, 2024.
Zaha Hadid Architects. “Vilnius Airport Arrivals Terminal.” Zaha-Hadid.com, 2024.
Vilnius Airport. “Planned Environmental Solutions in the New Passenger Departure Terminal of Vilnius Airport.” Vilnius-airport.lt, 2024.
The Sun. “New Airport Terminal Opens in Europe’s Best Value City.” The Sun, 2024.
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