This study aims to propose an airport complexation strategy through the expansion of non-aeronautical programs to effectively overcome the chronic operational deficits faced by regional airports in South Korea. Focusing on Cheongju International Airpo...
This study aims to propose an airport complexation strategy through the expansion of non-aeronautical programs to effectively overcome the chronic operational deficits faced by regional airports in South Korea. Focusing on Cheongju International Airport, the central hub of the Chungcheong region, this research establishes a new architectural model for airports by integrating commercial facilities with Social Overhead Capital (SOC) for daily life, ensuring accessibility for both air passengers and non-traveling local residents. The research methodology is as follows: First, through a literature review and case studies, the necessity for functional expansion and key design priorities were identified by analyzing the non-aeronautical revenue structures of regional airports. Key design parameters—specifically "landscape elements," "spatial relationships between Airside and Landside," and "non-aeronautical programs"—were derived to establish the fundamental direction of the architectural planning. Second, a suite of programs suitable for the complexation of Cheongju International Airport was developed. Specific community-based SOC programs were selected based on an analysis of the airport’s location, the demographic structure of Cheongju City, and the current state of leisure facilities. Furthermore, the study explored the necessity of increasing air cargo volume at regional airports, proposing a cold-chain terminal integrated with Cheongju’s industrial structure alongside related non-aeronautical programs. Third, while maintaining the inherent spatial characteristics of airports—such as transparency, openness, and monumental scale—the study suggests an architectural strategy that integrates landscape elements to be viewed cohesively from both Airside and Landside. The primary findings are as follows: Functionally, regional airports must transcend their role as mere transportation hubs to serve as "multi-functional urban nodes." By incorporating public indoor playgrounds, outdoor sports facilities, and commercial spaces tailored to the demands of Cheongju City, the proposed model maximizes the influx of local residents and establishes a foundation for sustainable operations. Spatially, an integrated design utilizing landscape elements is proposed. By arranging indoor atriums featuring media facades and diverse outdoor natural environments with varied plantings, the design expands the "extraordinary spatial experience" for all airport users, regardless of their flight status. This study is significant in that it examines architectural strategies for transforming the conventional operation of regional airports, which have historically relied solely on aviation demand, into non-aviation-centered multi-cultural spaces. The proposed complexation model for Cheongju International Airport is expected to serve as a fundamental guideline and policy reference for the revitalization of regional airports in the future.