Designed by an experienced team of architects, the most outstanding of which is Carlos Ferrater, one of our most active architects with ongoing projects in Mexico, France and Turkey, the new and ambitious Región de Murcia International Airport endeavours to lessen the historic communication deficiencies in an area clearly inclined towards mass tourism. This is perhaps the reason why one of the initial premises that has undoubtedly guided the design strategy of the passenger terminal –the main building– places the emphasis on potential planning of future extensions, without altering its daily activity. As reflected in the architectural project "it has been conceived as an easily extendible 'processor' that allows for an increase in the number of check-in desks and baggage collection belts, while keeping the basic structure constantly operative. To do so, side gardens with local vegetation have been included which will be occupied in subsequent growth scenarios".

The terminal, removed from the prototypical aeronautical architecture, is based on the superimposition of neutral orthogonal spaces, characterised by a thorough control of the intense Mediterranean light, and the truly white treatment of the interior surfaces. On the other hand, given the importance of circulation, the succession of various identifiable spaces makes rapid and easy legibility of the routes to follow possible, an aspect that has been further strengthened through the use of unmistakable signage elements. Thus, the architectural concept proposed imprints clarity and simplicity on the operative procedures.

This monograph thoroughly reflects the complexity of the project which, apart from the terminal described above, also includes seven auxiliary buildings, through sketches, plans and an extensive photographic essay by Aleix Bagué.

Contributions by Josep Maria Casadevall, Carlos Ferrater, Ramon Sanabria,Dolors Sayeras, Manel Colominas

Photographs by Aleix Bagué