Chek Lap Kok is the largest airport in the world, and its terminal is the largest, public covered area in existence. In spite of this, it has a clearly structured, bright and friendly atmosphere. It is impressive but its proportions do not swamp people. The vast glazed front allows an unimpeded view of the runway, the mountains and the ocean. The architect has succeeded in merging the borderlines between outside and inside; in not locking people into a building but in offering them open living space; in allowing light and part of the surrounding world of nature to pervade the building.
The inviting Tubis upholstered seating units make waiting periods as pleasant as possible. Business passengers can take time here to recapitulate an impending talk or presentation; holidaymakers can tune themselves into their holidays. This compensates travellers to some small extent for the precious time they often lose due to delays and long waiting periods.
The days when people had to adjust to machines or buildings are fortunately over - this is an approach we have always rejected. Nowadays, a building or a machine should adjust to human requirements. This view has, thank goodness, finally become the norm.