Brown TIA Departure Gate A32
A contemporary expression of Cambodian identity in transit
Located inside the departure hall of Techo International Airport, Brown TIA Departure Gate A32 introduces a warm, grounded atmosphere within Cambodia’s newest international gateway. Designed as a pop-up island experience that opens to both sides of the passenger path, the café offers travelers a clear moment of pause before departure, balancing the scale and pace of the terminal with an encounter that feels calm, crafted, and rooted in place.
Rather than blending into the surrounding infrastructure, the design foregrounds cultural identity through form, craft, and material storytelling. The project begins with a contemporary reimagining of the Khmer roof as a parting gesture of Cambodian heritage. Traditionally associated with shade, comfort, and the spirit of craft, the roof is translated into a translucent canopy made from clear epoxy resin panels, preserving a recognizable silhouette while expressing it through clarity and precision. Carefully engineered as a balanced assembly, the roof structure alone weighs 820 kg, demonstrating how a heritage-inspired form can meet modern structural requirements without losing its cultural resonance.
Palm leaves are not treated as a decorative motif. Actual dried palm leaves are carefully treated to protect their shape and color, then preserved within the epoxy resin panels. As light passes through the embedded leaves, the canopy filters the terminal’s brightness into a softer, shifting atmosphere, leaving travelers with a quiet, unmistakable memory of Cambodia as they depart.
Below, the counter uses a separate resin system with hand-textured, hand-sanded surfaces that reference the tactile character of traditional Khmer roof tiles, finished to a frosted tone. Stainless steel detailing supports operational clarity, while oak furniture and stucco finishes bring warmth and comfort to the waiting experience. Together, these elements show how heritage materials can become contemporary building components, carrying cultural meaning into one of the country’s most public settings.
A cultural farewell
Brown TIA Departure Gate A32 becomes more than a service point in transit. It offers a final, tactile encounter with Cambodian craft and identity, designed to travel with visitors long after they leave the airport.