GoKawiilRéunion's Roland Garros airport terminal opens with no air conditioning
Roland Garros airport on Réunion island has built a new arrivals terminal, opened in 2024, that relies entirely on natural ventilation rather than air conditioning. The roof design creates a 'canyon' gap that channels wind through adjustable vents, aided by large 7.5-metre ceiling fans that circulate air throughout the space. Sustainable development director Marc Delanoë says the breeze can lower perceived temperatures by four to five degrees during the island's hot, humid summers.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The project began in 2016 as part of the airport's push to cut carbon emissions, suggesting growing pressure on transport infrastructure in hot climates to find alternatives to energy-intensive cooling. Delanoë's account of convincing management the approach was 'feasible' indicates this was viewed internally as an unproven and risky departure from standard airport design. If successful long-term, it could serve as a model for other tropical or equatorial airports seeking to reduce energy use.
- The new arrivals terminal at Roland Garros airport uses no air conditioning, relying instead on architectural design for natural cooling.
- A roof shaped to form a 'canyon' creates low pressure that draws wind through adjustable vents into the building.
- Large ceiling fans help circulate air, reportedly cutting perceived temperature by 4-5 degrees during humid summer months.
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See Vornado 630 Air Circulator Fan on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theguardian.com — Rachel Savage, 2026-09-25
Published there as: “An airport cooled by natural ventilation”
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