Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Expressway Toll Station

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the most important aviation hub in southern China. The Baiyun Airport Expressway Toll Station serves as the first gateway from the airport into Guangzhou, and as a key window showcasing the city’s image. The project has a construction area of 9,800㎡, a building height of 18m, and spans 32 lanes, making it the first intelligent toll station in China.



Responding to the site’s spindle-shaped and expansive terrain, the design adopts a centrally symmetrical curved form. Conceptually, it draws inspiration from the flowing sleeves of traditional Cantonese opera performances and the imagery of drifting clouds over Baiyun, resulting in a simple yet elegant architectural gesture that readily becomes an aviation landmark in the open landscape. The main form extends the roof along the traffic direction before gradually landing, creating a guiding and enveloping façade. Passengers in vehicles, as they slow down and pass through, experience nearly 20 seconds of spatial and façade variation, enriching the journey with layered architectural impressions.



The design prioritizes driver and passenger experience. The canopy employs a lightweight, transparent, tree-like structural system that avoids obstructing the traffic corridor’s line of sight. Warm-toned wood finishes combined with lighting create a welcoming atmosphere, offering comfort during long, dark, and monotonous drives. The project also integrates a pedestrian bridge at the roof level, greatly facilitating movement for nearby residents and staff. The roofline abstracts traditional tiled roof structures, shaping a contemporary urban landmark rooted in Lingnan culture and reflective of its time.