A glimpse of the 2016 Fentress Global Challenge “Airport of the Future” shortlist

How should airports — the fascinating complex structures that they are — be designed for the future? Over 600 architecture students worldwide submitted their futuristic concepts to the 2016 Fentress Global Challenge. Organized by esteemed airport designer Fentress Architects, the annual competition invites architecture students to create speculative airport designs that address travel, leisure, and national security, among other airport demands. Most recently, the shortlisted entries were revealed.

This year's proposals ranged from the purely fantastical to the practical, hinting at key airport trends — and what sorts of designs are brewing in the minds of the next generation of designers. The winners are scheduled to be revealed in early 2017. The grand prize winner will get a US$5,000 cash prize plus a four-week paid internship at Fentress Architects, with airfare and lodging covered. The second prize winner receives $3,000, while the third prize winner gets $2,000.

Have a look at the shortlisted entries below.

This year’s jury includes aviation experts and industry professionals: Dave Gilmore, DesignIntelligence; Donald Albrecht, Museum of the City of New York; Curt Fentress, Fentress Architects; Lukas Feireiss, Studio Lukas Feireiss; Andrew Vasey, Vasey Aviation Group; Agatha Kessler, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and Tobias Nolte, Certain Measures.

All images Courtesy of Fentress Global Challenge.