Guyana International Airport
Project Status: In process
Project Year: 2022
Use: Airport
Location: Guyana
Design: MCxA
Context
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIA), a government body in Georgetown, Guyana, manages and operates the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Established in 2001, CJIA is currently undergoing a significant US$150 million development project.
This project includes a runway extension, a new boarding terminal, and the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. The architectural design firm, MCxA, is responsible for the design of the new airport.
Design Principles
The design principles for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport draw inspiration from Guyana's unique natural and cultural heritage, integrating three main concepts. The first principle is based on the Hoatzin, Guyana's national bird. This concept is seamlessly integrated into the airport's design with a canopy resembling the wings of the Hoatzin, symbolizing a connection to flight and ancient life. The second principle, inspired by the Emerald Boa, a native snake species, represents the rich biodiversity of the region. This is reflected in an emerald boulevard within the airport's design.
The third principle is rooted in the Benab, a traditional form of Guyanese native architecture. The Benab is known for its use of local materials and its longevity, embodying a sense of communal living. This concept is embodied in a botanical garden designed to evoke the roof of the Benab. . All three principles — the Hoatzin, the Emerald Boa, and the Benab — are intertwined to create a design that is not only functional but also deeply connected to Guyana’s identity and environment.