Western Sydney Airport by Zaha Hadid Architects & Cox Architecture & Woods Bagot

The completion of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport Terminal represents a transformative leap for Australian infrastructure and airport architecture. As the first major airport built in Australia in over half a century, it is more than a gateway for air travel—it is a catalyst for regional growth, cultural connection, and sustainable innovation. Located in Badgerys Creek, Western Sydney, the terminal is designed to serve as a landmark destination that reflects the identity of its region while setting new global standards for passenger experience, architectural design, and operational efficiency.

Grounded in Place: Architecture Inspired by Landscape and Light

The terminal’s design is deeply rooted in the natural environment of the Cumberland Plain, a vast, open landscape characterized by its gentle horizons and iconic eucalyptus woodlands. The architectural form takes cues from this environment, with a low, horizontal silhouette and soft, flowing edges that mimic the undulating terrain of the surrounding plains. One of the most striking features of the terminal is its sculptural ceiling, which filters natural light to replicate the dappled sunlight passing through the bark of eucalyptus trees—a signature element of the Australian landscape. This interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic, calming atmosphere that enhances the passenger experience by fostering a sense of connection to place.

David Holm, Principal and Design Lead at COX Architecture, highlights this philosophy: “The ‘Great Australian Light’ is a defining quality of the Australian experience, and it has been central to our design thinking. The way light filters through the terminal shapes how people move, orient, and feel, creating a sense of calm, clarity, and connection. For many visitors, this space marks their very first encounter with Australia, and we wanted that experience to feel unmistakably grounded in place.”

Embedding Cultural Identity: A Terminal Reflecting Community

Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse regions, home to a rich tapestry of communities and histories. The airport’s design honors this diversity through a close collaboration with the Dharug Custodians and First Nations consultant Murrawin, who helped embed Indigenous narratives and cultural values into the architecture. This respectful integration creates a space that is egalitarian in spirit and expressive of the many identities that define the region.

The terminal’s public areas are designed to facilitate connection and social interaction, with warm, tactile materials and open sightlines promoting inclusivity and comfort. Seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces further reflect the community’s relationship with the environment and encourage a sense of openness and welcome. Neil Hill, Principal and Design Delivery Lead at Woods Bagot, explains: “The Terminal and Landside Forecourt establish a uniquely Western Sydney character — one that welcomes visitors while resonating with the many identities and cultures that define this region. Our ambition was to create an airport that is not just a transit space but a destination in itself.”

A Passenger-First Journey: Intuitive, Seamless, and Stress-Free

The terminal’s layout emphasizes simplicity and ease of movement, setting a new standard for passenger experience in Australia. Strong visual cues and an intuitive flow guide travelers naturally through the terminal, reducing stress and confusion. This approach balances the complex operational requirements of a major international airport with human-scaled design principles, creating a space that feels welcoming and accessible.

Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, states: “WSI will give our global city a 24-hour international gateway that will continue to create significant economic opportunities for all of Greater Sydney. We are on the precipice of launching a seamless and stress-free airport experience unlike any other in Australia.” The design supports this vision by integrating operational efficiency with innovative architectural solutions to enhance passenger comfort and convenience.

Sustainability at the Core: A Model for Regenerative Design

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Western Sydney Airport terminal design. The building has achieved a 5-Star Green Star rating, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility and regenerative principles. The design incorporates natural ventilation strategies, energy-efficient systems, and water recycling technologies to minimize its ecological footprint.

One innovative feature is the terminal’s modular design, which allows for phased expansion. This flexibility ensures the building can adapt to future technological advances and growing passenger numbers without compromising its performance or sustainability goals. The design team’s focus on integrating architecture with environmental systems results in a building that is both efficient and resilient, reducing long-term operational costs and environmental impact.

Neil Hill notes, “With the Multiplex team, and working closely with WSI, we introduced innovative design solutions to elevate the customer experience, deliver sustainable outcomes, and apply industry-leading technical acumen.”

Collaborative Excellence: Merging Innovation and Functionality

The Western Sydney International Airport Terminal is the product of an exceptional collaboration between leading architecture and engineering firms. Initial design concepts were developed by COX Architecture and Zaha Hadid Architects, whose vision combined innovative form-making with contextual sensitivity. Construction and detailed design were carried out in partnership with Multiplex and Woods Bagot, ensuring that the ambitious design was realized with technical excellence and operational pragmatism.

The terminal sets a new benchmark for airport architecture in Australia, blending cultural significance, passenger-centered design, and environmental responsibility into a cohesive, inspiring whole. It stands as a powerful symbol of Western Sydney’s future, poised to drive economic growth and connect communities both locally and globally.

Photography: Trevor Mein & Brett Boardman & Multiplex