Tucked in the lush landscapes of East Java, Indonesia, Blimbingsari Airport—also known as Banyuwangi Airport—quietly defies everything you’d expect from an airport. No towering glass terminals. No soulless steel shells. Instead, you’re greeted by a warm, green-roofed structure that breathes with the environment around it. Designed by renowned Indonesian architect Andra Matin, the airport is a case study in how modern infrastructure can be both beautiful and deeply rooted in place.
A Terminal That Breathes
Rather than fighting against the tropical climate, Blimbingsari embraces it. The airport was designed with passive cooling strategies in mind—deep roof overhangs, wide openings, and strategic landscaping all work together to keep temperatures comfortable without relying heavily on air-conditioning. Natural ventilation flows freely through the open corridors, aided by the thoughtful orientation of the building.
The terminal’s hipped green roof does more than just look pretty. It acts as a thermal buffer, reducing heat gain and softening the building’s footprint against the skyline. Skylights built into the roof let daylight pour in, cutting down the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Architecture with Roots
Andra Matin looked to local vernacular traditions—specifically those of the Osing people—for inspiration. The sloping roof forms, the use of reclaimed timber, and the open-air layout are all nods to indigenous structures that have stood the test of time in Indonesia’s tropical climate.
But this isn’t a nostalgic retreat into the past. Blimbingsari reinterprets those forms in a contemporary, large-scale setting, making it relevant to modern needs while still preserving cultural essence. It’s rare to see public infrastructure so thoughtfully tied to its surroundings—and that’s exactly what makes this airport stand out.
A Community Space, Not Just a Transit Hub
Most airports feel like limbo—places to pass through, not places to be. Blimbingsari flips that idea on its head. It includes sunken prayer rooms, koi ponds, gardens, and gathering spaces. It feels more like a serene cultural center than a busy transportation node.
There’s also a strong community focus. The terminal is designed to serve not only tourists but also locals and pilgrims heading to Mecca. Seating terraces and public viewing areas invite people to linger, relax, and take pride in the space.
Globally Recognized, Locally Grounded
In 2022, Blimbingsari Airport won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, one of the world’s most prestigious honors in architectural excellence. The jury praised the project as a “game-changer” for how it rethinks airport design—not as a copy-paste global standard, but as a context-sensitive, sustainable public building that reflects the spirit of its place.
And yet, despite the accolades, the airport remains remarkably humble in its form. It’s efficient without being flashy, poetic without being precious. It proves that good architecture doesn’t need to shout—it just needs to listen.
