San Francisco International Airport’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 has been named the World’s Most Beautiful Airport by the prestigious international architecture and design award Prix Versailles. The jury cited design quality, sustainability, cultural relevance, and the passenger experience in its global assessment of contemporary airport architecture.
The terminal, which fully opened to the public in June 2024, is the first major airport terminal in the world named after an LGBTQ+ leader, honoring civil rights activist Harvey Milk. It combines functional infrastructure with thoughtful design elements, including natural light, open sightlines, and public exhibitions that celebrate Milk’s impact on San Francisco’s history and culture.
The Prix Versailles awards are presented, in partnership with UNESCO, at ceremonies that draw global attention from architects, designers, and cultural commentators. According to a statement from San Francisco International Airport, the Harvey Milk Terminal was designed to set a new benchmark for airport terminals by prioritizing sustainability, accessibility, and passenger well-being. In the announcement, Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet said the recognition affirms the airport’s broader mission to deliver a high-quality traveler experience while reflecting community values and environmental responsibility.
Architecture And Design Excellence At Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Led by architecture firm Gensler, the renovation of Harvey Milk Terminal focused on sustainability and usability rather than aesthetics alone. People reported that the terminal reduced energy use and carbon emissions through modernized building systems. Inside, natural light, art installations, and designated quiet areas shape the passenger experience, while gender-neutral restrooms, wellness spaces, and locally focused exhibits distinguish the terminal from traditional airport designs.
Architectural critics and award jurors highlighted the terminal’s integration of form and function. They praised its use of light, materials, and spatial organization to elevate what is often considered a purely utilitarian setting into a cultural landmark. The Prix Versailles jury specifically commended the transformation for its “soothing, restorative setting for travelers,” noting that the terminal’s clean lines and intuitive layout enhance passenger comfort and ease of movement throughout the space.
In addition to its architectural strengths, the terminal’s exhibition spaces honor Harvey Milk with historical materials and photographs that document his political career and advocacy. This inclusion of local cultural history sets the terminal apart from other major airport projects and reinforces its status as a symbolic gateway for visitors arriving in the Bay Area.
Other Airports Recognized
Prix Versailles also recognized several other airport projects this year for specific design achievements. Marseille Provence Airport’s Terminal One in France received a distinction for interior design, while Portland International’s main terminal in the United States was cited for its exterior architecture.
Terminals in China and Japan were also honored within the Airports category for their architectural quality. While multiple projects received recognition, Harvey Milk Terminal One at San Francisco International Airport was awarded the top global title, naming it the world’s most beautiful airport terminal for the year.
