Suvarnabhumi airport is introducing modern technology to create an impressive environment and improve traveller comfort.

Suvarnabhumi, especially its passenger terminal, resulted from a collaboration of world-class structural, mechanical and electric engineers, physicists and architects.

"It's a modern building of the 21st century," said Airports of Thailand Plc chairman Srisook Chandrangsu, who has worked closely on the airport development from land acquisition through to design and construction.

The passenger terminal showcases building innovation as it does not have a single indoor pillar. Its superstructure consists mainly of large steel pillars erected 126 metres apart and supertrusses that bear the weight of the 210m x 567m roof. The steel structure allows for a wider span between pillars as it is lighter than concrete.

Electricity costs for lighting are minimised thanks to the terminal's skylight roof and transparent walls. The transparency will please visitors as they will not feel trapped but will always have views of the outside, said Mr Srisook.

The glass roof and walls were also designed to function as effective insulation. The concourses where passengers pass between the terminal and their planes were designed to imitate an aircraft fuselage.

Steel, glass and fabrics that form the structure of the passenger terminal and concourses were designed to tolerate expansion and contraction in changing temperatures.

Air-conditioning focuses on energy-saving. Cold air is sent through floor-based air-conditioning vents. By this means, cold air will occupy space only up to a height of 2.5 metres.