At Roland Garros Airport on Réunion Island, a new arrivals terminal opened in 2024 that relies entirely on natural ventilation rather than conventional air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. Situated in the tropical region south of the equator, just off Madagascar, the terminal uses a design that harnesses local breezes to cool the building, marking a significant step in reducing the airport’s carbon footprint.
The initiative began in 2016, driven by airport management’s commitment to cutting carbon dioxide emissions. Marc Delanoë, then head of the airport’s environmental and energy team and now its sustainable development director, was determined to eliminate air conditioning from the project. “I took on the responsibility to prove to my management that not using air conditioning was feasible,” Delanoë said, describing the approach as a “risky bet” that ultimately proved successful.
The terminal’s architecture plays a key role in its cooling strategy. The long, rectangular building features a roof that curves upward in gentle waves along its sides but stops short of meeting in the center, creating a gap described as a “canyon.” This design generates a pressure differential that channels wind through adjustable vents on either side of the structure. The flow of air is further enhanced by ceiling fans with a 7.5-meter diameter, which circulate breezes throughout the terminal.
During Réunion’s hot, humid wet season, when temperatures reach around 30 degrees Celsius, the natural ventilation system reduces the perceived temperature inside by about 4 to 5 degrees Celsius—reaching a cooling effect comparable to standard air conditioning. In the drier winter months, with daytime temperatures often falling below 25 degrees Celsius, the system limits the intake of outside air to maintain comfort. The building is fully sealed during cyclones to protect occupants.
The architects from AIA Life Designers, who led the project, noted their intention to challenge the conventional assumption that temperature control through mechanical means is the only way to ensure human comfort in hot climates. “The arrivals terminal and Roland Garros Airport try to overcome [this pitfall] by carefully considering the passage of natural air currents through the building,” a spokesperson said.
By integrating passive cooling techniques with modern architectural design, the terminal at Roland Garros Airport demonstrates an innovative approach to energy efficiency in tropical infrastructure, aligning with broader goals to reduce environmental impact while maintaining passenger comfort.