Mariia Redkolis

advisor

Komsomolsk-on-Amur State University

United States of America

My architectural focus centers on adaptive reuse, workplace design, and transforming existing… more

The conceptual foundation of the Aden International Airport, inspired by Smith charts, immediately caught my attention. I found the parallel between aircraft movement and electromagnetic wave behavior to be both poetic and unexpected — it’s not a reference I often see in architectural thinking, and that made the proposal stand out.

The idea of positioning the airport as the central point and the world as a surrounding circle — with movement radiating outward — feels symbolically rich. I appreciate how the author tried to express the essence of global connection through geometry.-

I would have liked to see this conceptual geometry more clearly reflected in the actual architectural proposal. If I were designing this project, I would express the overlapping circles not only in plan but also in the spatial experience — through layered structural systems, light patterns, or the choreography of circulation paths. For instance, the passenger flow could follow arcs that mirror those of the Smith chart, creating a journey that feels both purposeful and symbolic.

While the concept is rich and original, its success depends on how effectively it can be translated into physical space. The challenge here is moving from metaphor to materiality. The more the geometry is embedded into the fabric of the building — guiding structural rhythm, façade articulation, or even wayfinding — the more powerful and grounded the concept will become.

Overall, this is a concept with great narrative potential. With deeper integration between the abstract reference and the built environment, the project could evolve into a truly unique airport design — one that tells a story of science, movement, and connection.
21.06.2025