"This thesis presents a research-for-design investigation into types of, and
structural systems for, airport terminal buildings, with particular attention
to air traffic development in China. In the course of its ongoing development,
China is developing numerous regional and international airports, while
upgrading and expanding a number of small and medium-sized airports.
The design of passenger terminal buildings is of key importance in these
initiatives, not only in facilitating the processing of passengers and luggage
but also in determining user experience, conveying important first impressions
and representing local contexts. The structural system chosen is an
essential factor affecting the design of the terminal building and will directly
determine much of its final shape. Nonetheless, systematic overviews of
terminal building types and suitable structural systems are still lacking. To
address this need, this thesis presents a typology analysis of terminal building
types, with an emphasis on the size and configuration of airports and the
design of terminal roof systems, and on applicable choices of large-span roof
structures."