JHP flies masterplan for Shanghai Hong Qiao airport

London consultancy JHP Design is set to present concept proposals for the commercial masterplan of Shanghai Hong Qiao international airport in China.

The consultancy is working on the RMB63m (£4.4m) scheme in collaboration with Bangkok group Concept International Design, which will be responsible for the implementation of the design. The consultancies were appointed to the project following credentials presentations last month.

JHP Design managing director Steve Collis explains that the airport’s two terminals will be merged, overhauling the environment ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the Shanghai World Expo in 2010.

The airport offers approximately 13 000m2 of retail space and handles around 16 million passengers annually, including all domestic traffic within China and a large number of VIP travellers.

JHP’s masterplan takes in the commercial and retail layout, food and drink areas and communication elements, such as wayfinding and signage. ‘We don’t really adopt design themes, but there is a reference to wind and sails, reflecting Shanghai’s port location. There is a reflection of Chinese culture, if not architecture – there are no pagoda roofs, as that would appear patronising,’ says Collis, who declines to reveal the design budget.

The redevelopment of Shanghai Hong Qiao airport is scheduled for completion at the end of 2006.