WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NANCY BIRD WALTON AIRPORT)

Sydney, Australia
Artificial Lighting & Daylighting

Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects; COX Architecture
Daylight Design Consultancy: Meike Goessling
Visualisations: Zaha Hadid Architects; Cox Architecture
2026 (First Stage)

Western Sydney International Airport is a once-in-a-generation greenfield airport which will be the catalyst for the transformation of Western Sydney, creating economic growth and opportunities for the region. It will cater to up to 10 million passengers a year on opening in 2026, growing in stages over the forthcoming decades to eventually cater to 82 million passengers a year.
The design is routed in traditional Australian architecture and is considerate of Aboriginal culture and inspired by the surrounding nature and its light conditions. Daylighting design aims to bring out the stunning natural qualities of Australian light. The layered design approach balances design aspirations with technical and functional requirements.
Western Sydney International Airport is a once-in-a-generation greenfield airport which will be the catalyst for the transformation of Western Sydney, creating economic growth and opportunities for the region. It will cater to up to 10 million passengers a year on opening in 2026, growing in stages over the forthcoming decades to eventually cater to 82 million passengers a year.
The design is routed in traditional Australian architecture and is considerate of Aboriginal culture and inspired by the surrounding nature and its light conditions. Daylighting design aims to bring out the stunning natural qualities of Australian light. The layered design approach balances design aspirations with technical and functional requirements.