UNStudio just officially unveiled Georgia's new Kutsai International Airport after two years of design and construction. The airport has actually been open and in operation since September 2012, but it reached full completion this month. The radically innovative and modern building features a daylight-filled transparent canopy, a pulsing LED tower that reacts to wind conditions, and a wide variety of green building strategies. Kutaisi is projected to become the gateway to Georgia in the near future, with up to a million travelers passing through in 2014-2015. The architecture of the terminal emulates the large open spaces and high ceilings of the great railways stations of the past, according to lead designer, Ben van Berkel. A clear, undulating structure provides a transparent and protective umbrella over the terminal. Passengers flow in and out of this transparent terminal while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The terminal includes a cafe and a gallery that will showcase the country's best and brightest artists and innovators. Kutaisi Airport also features a 55-meter "pulsing tower" that serves as a beacon and focal point for the airport. The exterior of the tower is clad with a perforated skin over a concrete core. LED lights in-between the skin and the concrete core create the tower's beacon effect at dusk and dawn. The lights change color when there is fluctuation in wind speed, creating constant visual interest during the dark hours. The airport uses several innovative green building strategies. A large on-site underground water source is used for sprinkler basins, and pipes carry water through the floors of the terminal and the traffic control tower to maintain a comfortable temperature in the two buildings through radiative heating and cooling. Large cantilevered roofs on the south and southwest sides provide shade and reduce the heat load on the building. A hybrid low pressure ventilation system keeps energy consumption low, and there is a gray-water collection system in the floor underneath the terminal building. The terminal's next step is to establish a recycling system as part of its daily operations.

The construction of Kutaisi new airport began on November 22. Designed by UNStudio the new airport will include a transfer terminal, 55 meter high Air Traffic Control Tower, central arrivals hall, check-in area with lounge, cafe, three departure gates and an exterior garden. The new airport is sheduled to open in September 2012. According to Inhabitat, clad in a transparent skin, the exterior will actually change color when there is a fluctuation in traffic. The 55 meter high, 300 square meter Air Traffic Control Tower sits nearby and serves as a beacon for arrivals and departures. A large overhanging roof shields the interior from excessive sunlight, and an on-site underground source of natural water will be used to regulate interior temperatures. Energy use will be minimized through a water cooling system using concrete core activation, and fresh air will circulate via a hybrid low pressure ventilation system. A grey water collection system in the floor underneath the terminal building will help manage wastewater, while a comprehensive waste management and recycling system will reduce trash and serve as a model for future projects throughout the country. The roof has also been designed to accommodate a photovoltaic system in the future, which will generate power for the airport. It should be noted, that in November during her official visit to Armenia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Vera Kobalia said, that Georgia would use experience of Armenian engineers and builders during construction of Kutaisi airport.